Seaweed and Rice Hulls as Fiber Sources to Decrease Carcass Fat and Meat Cholesterol of Pigs

Abstract

Studies have shown a strong association between cardiovascular disease and high levels of plasma cholesterol in himans and other species, including swine. Since there is anatomical and physiological similarity between pid and humans, information on factors affecting plasma cholesterol levels in human may reflect similar association in pig. A review of literatures on human experiments indicates that fiber content of food can decrease plasma cholesterol. Thirty-six male Landrace pigs with live weight between 8 and 10 kg were used in this study to determine the effect of seaweed and rice hulls as fiber sources on carcas fat and meat cholesterol.