MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental Design.1
Sixty five pigs were observed for the effect of RAC on growth and carcass characteristics of lightweight swine.
The products used were MoorMan’s 11256AB (RAC 9g/ton) and 277AB (No RAC). Both were manufactured by Elanco in Indianapolis, IN. All feeding was conducted at the Tarleton State University Swine Center in Stephenville, Texas and all harvest procedures were conducted at Columbia Packing Company in Dallas, Texas. The experimental design of this trial was a randomized complete block with initial pig weight as the blocking factor. Each pen of pigs served as an experimental unit. Pigs were assigned to pens within a weight block to achieve an even representation on the basis of weight, breed-type, and gender. Treatments were assigned randomly to the pens of pigs within a block.
Feeding and Growth Performance. Weights were recorded throughout the study to monitor growth rates (Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Rice Lake, WI; IQ Plus® 390-DC/590-DC Digital Weight Indicator / Paul Scale, W-W Manufacturing Thomas, OK; Model 58SX Hog and Sheep Crate Scale). Weights taken at the beginning of the experiment served as initial weights. The trial began when the average pen weight reached 59 kg. Prior to the start of the study, pens and feeders were steam cleaned and sanitized in order to provide a healthy environment for the pigs. Animals were visually inspected to confirm that they were healthy and sound enough to participate in the study. Feed composition is represented in Table 1.