Some bitter compounds show potential for decreasing feed intake and fat deposition while others improve growth and feed conversion ratio in finishing pigs

摘要

lmmunocastration (IC) of pigs has often been related to increased appetite. In addition, finishing pigs divert a significant part of the dietary net energy into lipid stores resulting in excess fat deposition, poor feed efficiency and carcass downgrades. Recent findings of the physiological mechanisms around bitter taste perception have shown the potential of bitter compounds to suppress appetite (Janssen era/. 2011; Roura 2011). The current study tested the hypothesis that bitter compounds can reduce feed intake and fat deposition while improving feed conversion in IC finishing pigs.