Topics:
Animal Refresher, Poultry Science
Maximum Fish Meal Level in Pig Feed to Avoid Fishy Flavour
Fish meal should not be fed at a level higher than ______% in pig feed, as otherwise a fishy flavour may develop in pork:
- 5%
- 10% — Correct Answer
- 15%
- 20%
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 10%
Fish meal should not be fed at a level higher than 10% in pig (swine) feed; exceeding this level imparts a fishy flavour to pork, making it commercially unacceptable.
Why Fishy Flavour Develops
- Fish meal contains trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), which is reduced to trimethylamine (TMA) by gut bacteria. TMA is then deposited in tissues and fat, causing the characteristic fishy odour/flavour.
- This problem is especially pronounced in pigs because of their monogastric digestive system and fat deposition pattern.
Fish Meal Usage Guidelines in Animal Feeds
- Poultry: Fish meal can be included up to 5–8% in starter rations and reduced in finisher rations to avoid flavour carry-over in eggs and broiler meat.
- Pigs: Maximum limit is 10%; beyond this, pork quality is compromised.
- Fish meal is an excellent protein supplement — contains 60–65% crude protein and rich in lysine, methionine, and available phosphorus.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- 5% → unnecessarily restrictive; 10% is the established practical limit.
- 15%, 20% → too high; fishy flavour would definitely be a problem at these levels.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Poultry Science. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
