This study was carried out to evaluate the carcass characteristics of pigs fed from weaning to slaughter in single space feeders equipped or not with drinker. Ninety-six animals (48 barrows and 48 females) with 90kg live weight were distributed in a factorial design (two feeder types - no drinker; conjugated with drinker; and two sexes). The carcasses were evaluated by the Brazilian Method of Carcasses Classification and by the Dissection Method. The meat yield was 3.7% higher (P<0.05) in animals fed in dry feeders and 2.6% slower (P<0.05) in barrows. The carcass yield was not affected by the feeder type, but was 1.3% higher (P<0.05) in barrows. The loin muscle area was not affected by the feeder type and sex. The fat area was 8.8% higher (P<0.05) in the animals fed in wet feeders and 16.8% in barrows. The backfat thickness was 11.0% higher (P<0.05) in the animals fed in wet feeders and 11.2% in barrows. The relation meat/fat was 10.9% higher (P<0.05) in animals fed in dry feeders and 21.6% in females. The ham weight was not affected by feeder type, but it was 5.9% higher (P<0.05) in barrows. Feeding pigs from weaning to slaughter in wet feeders reduce lean and increase fat in carcass.
nutrition; weight gain; meat; fat
