This experiment was carried out to determine the best live weight to start the feed restriction (RA) in order to improve the performance and carcass quality of barrows and gilts at the finishing phase, fed with dry feed, in the winter period. Four treatments was compared: T1 - Full fed (AV) until the slaughter time, T2 - AV until 90 kg LW and after that 10% RA; T3 - AV until 75 kg LW and after that 10% RA; T4 - AV until 60 kg LW and after that 10% RA. The study started when animals had 52.58 ± 2.34 kg LW and finished with 119.27 ± 1.99 kg LW, when the animals were slaughtered. The feed restriction started at whatever age reduced the average daily gain (GPD), but feed: gain ratio (F/G) was not improved neither carcass traits of the barrows. In the gilts, RA reduced GPD only in that, which started RA at 60 kg LW and feed: gain was not improved neither carcass traits with RA started at whatever age. Therefore, swine with high potential to lean meat deposition and low feed intake, fed with dry diets, which contain suitable levels of amino acids, do not respond to energy restriction starting between 60 and 90 kg to improve performance and carcass quality.
carcass; barrows; feed management; females; lean yield; performance
