Impact of fermented liquid feed supplementation on grower-fattening pigs production: Insights into growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and metabolite profiles

This study investigates the effects of supplementing grower-fattening pig diets with fermented liquid feed (FLF) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality attributes, and metabolite profiles. Seventy-five crossbred gilts were randomly allocated to groups receiving dry pellet feed (control) or liquid feed with 15 % or 30 % FLF supplementation. FLF supplementation significantly increased final body weight, while decreasing crude protein and ash content in pork. Notably, FLF elevated intramuscular fat and ether extract levels, promoting muscle fat metabolism and resulting in increased backfat thickness and tenderness without compromising storage stability. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant alterations in amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways associated with FLF. Gene expression analysis highlighted changes in key lipid metabolism regulators, providing mechanistic insights into the improved meat quality. Overall, this study underscores FLF as a promising dietary strategy with implications for sustainable and consumer-centric pork production.