Abstract:

Lowering dietary phosphorus results in a loss in carcass value but not decreased growth performance

Steve S. Dritz, DVM, PhD; Mike D. Tokach, PhD; Jan M. Sargeant, DVM, PhD; Robert D. Goodband, PhD; Jim L. Nelssen, PhD

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We describe a case of minor loin damage caused by vertebral fractures sustained during the stunning process. Bone strength in these animals was apparently weakened as a result of feeding reduced concentrations of dietary phosphorus to minimize excretion of phosphorus into the environment and to decrease the cost of the diets. The fractures were estimated to cost the herd owners $4.25 and the processor $12.77 per affected pig due to lost carcass value. Dietary phosphorus concentrations in the finishing pig diets were increased; within 2 months of this intervention, the rates of minor loin damage were significantly lower. Comparisons before and after the dietary revision showed that growth performance, mortality, percentage pigs marketed, and carcass lean were not affected by the inclusion rates of dietary phosphorus we investigated in this study. This case clearly illustrates that the dietary phosphorus requirement for maximum bone strength is higher than that for maximum growth performance.

Keywords: nutrition, carcass value, phosphorus, vertebral fracture

Cite as: Dritz SS, Tokach MD, Sargeant JM, et al. Lowering dietary phosphorus results in a loss in carcass value but not decreased growth performance. J Swine Health Prod 2000;8(3):121-124.

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