This research aimed to evaluate the effect of feed restriction (FR) and net energy (NE) levels on the carcass quality of pigs in the finishing period. Forty eight animals, 24 barrows and 24 gilts were used in a completely randomized block design with three replicates of each sex. The treatments consisted of a 4 ´ 2 factorial (four levels of feed restriction - 0, 5, 10 and 15% - and two levels of net energy - 2083 and 2252kcal NE/kg of feed). The hot carcass weight, carcass length, backfat thickness, dressing percentage of carcass and of cuts and meat:fat ratio in the carcass were evaluated. The results showed an improvement in carcass quality, considering the reduction in backfat thickness (Y= 2.587 - 0.0186FR) and the increase in weight (Y= 6.628 + 0.0276FR) and in yielding of ham (Y= 6.5895 + 0.1389FR - 0.0081FR²) and loin (Y= 17.1430 + 0.0646FR) with the increase of feed restriction level. The increase in the net energy level of the diet resulted in an increase in carcass dressing percentage (77.4 and 79.1%). Gilts had better backfat tickness than the castrated males (2.36 and 2.54cm).
net energy; dressing percentage of carcass; carcass quality
