To analyze the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the meat of pigs (0,1%) and three crude protein (CP) levels (nursery: 20.5, 16.0, 14.5%; growing: 16, 14.5, 11.5%; and finishing: 14.0, 12.5, 11% CP), studies were conducted with 36 hybrid (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) barrows (17.3-83.5 kg), which were individually penned and allotted in a completely randomized design in a factorial (2×3) arrangement for 84 d. The analysis by phases indicated that CP level affected some variables. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, fat free lean gain, backfat thickness, longissimus muscle area and final body weight were reduced (P≤0.05) feeding the lowest CP diet in nursery and growing pigs. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was also lower (P≤0.05) in... |