| dc.description.abstract | Hempseed meal (HSM) was studied as an alternative protein source for grow-finish swine diets. This study utilized 44 barrows randomly assigned to a treatment diet containing HSM or control diet containing soybean meal (SBM) as the primary protein source. Diets did not affect (P > 0.05) feed intake, feed conversion, or average daily gain. Barrows were harvested over 5 days. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between diets for hot carcass weight, liver and lung scores, carcass pH, dressing percentage, or quality and yield grades. Carcasses were fabricated and additional quality attributes investigated via shelf-life, Warner Bratzler Shear (WBS) force, and proximate analysis. SBM chops had less (P = 0.0438) drip loss than HSM. Interaction between diet and chop type was significant (P < 0.05) for days 2, 6, and 7, and days 0, 4, 6, and 7 for lightest and darkest color, respectively. HSM chop discoloration was darker (P < 0.0001) and had higher (P < 0.05) percent discoloration than SBM chops for days 6 and 7. No differences (P > 0.05) were found for L*, a*, and b* values. Aerobic plate counts were higher (P < 0.05) for HSM chops on days 4 and 6. HSM chops had higher (P < 0.05) TBARS values on days 2, 4, 6, and 7. SBM chops were more (P = 0.0145) tender than treatment chops for WBS force values. SBM rib chops had higher (P < 0.05) protein, fat, and moisture contents. SBM bellies were firmer (P = 0.0022) than HSM bellies. Muscle tissue, liver, urine, and plasma were collected on the harvest floor for all HSM carcasses and subjected to biochemical analysis to detect delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD) residue. CBD and 7-carboxy-CBD were detected at low levels in both urine and plasma. THC was not detected in any samples. Economic differences in feed costs by ingredient, total feed costs, and price to producer at harvest were assessed. No differences (P > 0.05) were seen for estimated prices to producers for carcasses, major and minor cuts, or slaughter costs when premiums/discounts were applied based on 10th rib backfat. | |
