The effect of feeding fattener pigs with hybrid rye on selected growth and carcass traits and on meat quality characteristics

Abstract Modern hybrid varieties of rye can be successfully used for feeding pigs. The aim of the research was to determine the effects of different levels (20%, 40% and 60%) of hybrid rye in diet on the growth, slaughter value, chemical composition, physical and sensory traits and the fatty acids profile in pork meat. The experiment was performed with 100 Polish Landrace pigs that were randomly allocated into 4 groups: control, without rye, and experimental with hybrid rye addition. After slaughter lean meat content estimation, carcass traits, quality characteristics and the fatty acids profile of the longissimus lumborum muscle were determined. No significant influence on the growth performance, carcass traits and the majority of physical traits, basic composition, cholesterol content and sensory features of the longissimus lumborum muscle was found. The type and levels of cereals significantly change the FA profile. More favorable values for PUFA and the ratio of n-6/n-3 acids were obtained in pigs fed with hybrid rye than with a mix of wheat with barley. In conclusion, feeding pigs with hybrid rye at the level of 20–60% in the diet results in positive effects in the fatty acids profile, without compromising daily gain, feed intake, carcass traits, physicochemical and sensory attributes of pork meat.