Lysine requirement of starting barrows from two genetic groups fed on low crude protein diets

Abstract

A trial was carried out to determine the lysine requirement for starting barrows fed on ideal protein concept-based diets. Thirty-two pigs from a commercial crossbred genetic group (CCGG, BW=15.9 ± 1.4 kg) and 32 pigs from a dam line one (DLGG, BW= 14.8 ± 1.0 kg) were used. Pigs were allotted to 4 treatments with diets containing increasing levels of total lysine (0.80, 1.00, 1.20 and 1.40%). Methionine+cystine, threonine and tryptophan were adjusted according to ideal protein profile. Data from performance, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and carcass composition were analyzed. CCGG showed higher daily feed intake, daily weight gain, PUN and protein:fat ratio in carcass, while DLGG showed higher fat carcass content and nitrogen retention. Fat content and protein:fat ratio in carcass for CCCGG and PUN and crude protein carcass content for DLGG showed quadratic response to increasing total lysine levels. Derivations of the quadratic equations indicated the total lysine requirement for CCGG starting barrows is 1.15% and for DLGG starting barrows is 1.09%.