EFFECTS OF ADDITION OF MESQUITE POD MEAL TO DIETS FOR FINISHING SWINE

the effects of addition of different mesquite (Phosopis juliflora (SW. ) DC.) pod meal (MPM) level's to isoproteinous and isoenergetic ration s on the performance and carcass characteristics of Finishing swine we re evaluated. Thirty-two half-breed Landrace x Large-White pigs weighi ng 54.14 kg were utilized. The experimental design was, made up comple tely of randomized blocks with four MPM levels (0,10, 20 and 30%) adde d to corn and soybean meal and four replications. MPM chemical composi tion was: 89.29% dry matter; 8,02% crude protein; 9.57% crude fiber; 0 .71% ether extract; 0.29% Ca; and 0.17% P. Regression analysis showed a decreasing linear MPM level effect (P<0,05) on both body weight gain and ration intake. With regard to carcass characteristics, increasing linear MPM level effects (P<0.05) and (P<0.01) were detected on backf at thickness and meat/fat ratio, respectively. On an economic basis, M PM use is not recommended with suplementation of soybean oil in diets for finishing swine.