Reducing Protein in Pig Diets with Amino Acids
Author Information
Author(s): de Almeida André Martinho, Latorre María Angeles, Ripoll Guillermo, Verdú Marçal, Alvarez-Rodriguez Javier
Primary Institution: Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
Hypothesis
Entire males and females will be affected similarly when submitted to a dietary protein reduction with amino acid supplementation.
Conclusion
Reducing dietary protein with amino acid supplementation can be an effective strategy for heavy Duroc pigs without compromising growth or meat quality.
Supporting Evidence
- Males had higher weights and average daily gains than females.
- Animals on the low-CP diet had higher fat and saturated fat contents than controls.
- Nitrogen efficiency was 35% higher in low-CP males.
- Carcass and meat traits were similar across sexes.
Takeaway
Feeding pigs less protein but adding amino acids helps them grow well and keeps their meat quality high.
Methodology
The study involved 120 pigs (60 males and 60 females) fed two diets with different protein levels over 42 days, measuring growth performance and meat quality.
Limitations
The study focused only on heavy Duroc pigs and may not apply to other breeds or lighter pigs.
Participant Demographics
60 male and 60 female Duroc X (Landrace X Large White) pigs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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