Lysine Requirement Research Articles

273 Standardized ileal digestible lysine requirements for finishing PIC pigs under commercial conditions: A meta-analysis

273 Standardized ileal digestible lysine requirements for finishing PIC pigs under commercial conditions: A meta-analysis

301 Evaluation of the lysine requirement of eleven- to twenty-three-kilogram nursery pigs

301 Evaluation of the lysine requirement of eleven- to twenty-three-kilogram nursery pigs

SID lysine requirement of immunologically and physically castrated male pigs during the grower, early and late finisher periods

SID lysine requirement of immunologically and physically castrated male pigs during the grower, early and late finisher periods

Dietary Lysine Requirement for Optimal Productivity and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Indigenous Venda Chicken

A study was conducted to determine the levels of dietary lysine requirements for optimal productivity and carcass characteristics of growing indigenous Venda chicken from 1–13 wks of age involving 200 unsexed day-old indigenous Venda chicks during first experiment and 160 female chicks during the second experiment. In each feed trial, the chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with varying lysine levels L6(0.6%), L8 (0.8%), L10 (1.0%) and L12 (1.2%) in a completely randomized design. L-Lysine-HCl at the expense of inert filler (sand) was used to balance the diet. The initial LW of the birds were taken and at weekly intervals thereafter. At 91d of age all the chickens in each pen were slaughtered and the carcass and haematological parameters determined. Results showed that feed intake, growth rate at the starter and growing phases were influenced (P 0.05) on FCR, metabilosable energy and mortality at starter and growing phases. Furthermore, thigh, wings, fat pad weights and haematological parameters were not influenced (P>0.05) by the dietary lysine treatments. Dietary lysine levels of 0.97 and 1.07% DM optimized feed intake and growth rate at the starter phase, respectively. While dietary lysine levels of 0.82 and 0.94% DM optimized feed intake and growth rate, respectively, at the growing phase. Dietary lysine levels of 0.91, 0.96, 0.98 and 0.93% DM optimized carcass weight, dressing percentage, breast meat and drumstick weights, respectively. These results have implications on ration formulation for indigenous chickens.

Modelling of lysine requirement in broiler breeder hens based on daily nitrogen retention and efficiency of dietary lysine utilization

The current feeding programs used for broiler breeder hens need information on how to make use of the genetic potential more efficiently by modelling the amino acid (AA) requirements. Thus, this study aimed to determine the model parameters for maximum nitrogen retention (NRmaxT), nitrogen maintenance requirement (NMR) and the efficiency of lysine utilization (bc−1) to determine the lysine (Lys) requirements of broiler breeder hens. Nitrogen balance trials were performed in two periods (I: 31–35 wks and II: 46–50 wks). Seven dietary treatments were used with eight replicates and one hen per cage; the treatments consisted of seven diets with protein levels ranging from 58.8 to 311.9g/kg of feed, with Lys being limiting in the dietary protein (c=3.91g of Lys in 100g of CP). For each period, nitrogen intake (NI), nitrogen excretion (NEX), nitrogen in egg mass (NEM), nitrogen deposition (ND) and nitrogen retention (NR, NR=ND+NEM+NMR) were obtained in a N balance trial of 25days. The NMR was calculated as the intersection point of the exponential curve between NEX and NI at NI=0. The NRmaxT and b (slope related to protein quality) were estimated by the exponential fit between NR and NI. The Lys efficiency bc−1 was obtained dividing b by c. The likelihood ratio test for the model parameters yielded 255mg/BWkg0.67 for NMR, 0.000117 for b and 1684mg/BWkg0.67 (period I) and 1484mg/BWkg0.67 (period II) for NRmaxT. The necessary Lys intake dependent on NR and Lys efficiency was derived by the equation Lys=(lnNRmaxT-ln(NRmaxT-NR))/(16×bc−1). Lys intakes required to achieve 0.80 times the maximum potential (NRmaxT) were 915mg and 876mg in the period I and II, respectively. For broiler breeder hens, assuming 0.80 times the NRmaxT value and average efficiency of Lys utilization, 6.02g/kg (31–35 wk) and 5.96g/kg (46–50 wk) digestible dietary Lys were observed as optimal digestible Lys concentration in the diet (corresponding to 152 and 147g of daily feed intake, respectively). Results of model calculations need verification in performance trials with evaluation of nitrogen deposition and varying dietary Lys efficiencies.

Assessing Lysine Requirement of Growing Chicken by Direct Comparison between Supplementation Technique and “Goettingen Approach”

Validated procedures play an important role to obtain accurate information about individual amino acid requirement data. The aim of the present study was to assess lysine (Lys) requirement of growing chicken both by classical supplementation technique and principles of diet dilution technique as applied with “Goettingen approach”. During the starter period (1 - 21 d), a growth study with male meat type chicken (Ross 308) was conducted making use of five graded dietary Lys-levels (3 repetition boxes with 3 birds/box). L-Lys×HCl was gradually added to a diet based on wheat, soybean protein concentrate, wheat gluten and fishmeal to yield 80%, 87.5%, 95%, 102.5% and 110% of the expected requirement level (13 g Lys/kg as fed). Diets were iso-energetic (12.8 MJME/kg) and iso-nitrogenous (21.65% crude protein). Birds were fed on free choice level also to assess the feed intake (FI) effects as important factor on traditional response criteria. Analyzed body composition at start and end of the growth study yielded N deposition (ND) data for further data assessment using exponential approximations depending on dietary Lys content or observed Lys intake. The results indicated significant differences (p (BWG, ND) taking also into account the expected real feed intake to formulate the needed in-feed concentration.

Lysine requirements of Korean native ducklings for three weeks after hatch

Dietary lysine content in poultry diets is critical to improve feed utilization efficiency, body protein deposition rate, and carcass traits of growing and finishing poultry. The objective of the current study was to estimate the optimum digestible lysine requirements for maximum growth performance, efficient utilization of nitrogen, and carcass traits of male Korean native ducklings for 3 wk after hatch. A total of 720 one-day-old male Korean native ducklings were used in a completely randomized design having 8 dietary treatments to provide a range of digestible lysine content from 0.44 to 1.07%. Ducklings were randomly allotted to 24 floor pens (6 replicates per treatment and 15 ducklings per pen) and were offered the respective diets on an ad libitum basis for the period of study. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate feed conversion ratio. At the termination of the experiment, 2 ducklings per pen were euthanized via cervical dislocation to weigh empty body and drumsticks. The digestible lysine requirement was determined by taking a mean value after fitting the data to both linear-plateau and quadratic-plateau models. Digestible lysine requirements for Korean native ducklings for 3 wk after hatch were estimated to be 0.71, 0.74, 0.65 and 1.01% for maximum body weight, daily gain, and daily feed intake, and for minimum feed conversion ratio, respectively.

Digestible lysine requirement for growing Japanese quails

A total of 1,000 one-day-old Japanese quails were distributed at random, with 5 digestible lysine levels, in 10 replicates and with 20 birds per experimental unit. The basal diet was formulated based on corn and soybean, with 200.6 g CP/kg, 2900.00 kcal/kg ME, and 8.8 g digestible lysine/kg. This basal diet was supplemented with L-lysine HCl (784 g/kg), replacing glutamic acid, and corresponding to digestible lysine levels of 8.8 g/kg, 9.8 g/kg, 10.8 g/kg, 11.8 g/kg, and 12.8 g/kg. The increase in the levels of digestible lysine produced a greater weight gain in birds with up to 12.2 and 12.1 g of lysine/kg at 40 d of age. Carcass weight increased as levels were increased to up to 11.85 g of lysine/kg, and, similarly, egg production per bird housed increased up to 12.03 g of lysine/kg. A linear increase took place in the growing phase for feathering, fat, and crude protein deposits in the carcass, feed intake, and lysine intake. Egg production and egg mass per bird per d increased linearly in the laying phase with the weight gain of birds decreasing linearly until 100 d of age, and, similarly, the feed conversion per egg mass linearly improved in function of the lysine levels. A level of 11.85 g of digestible lysine/kg in the diet, which corresponded to a lysine intake of 120.5 mg/bird/d, provided better carcass weight at the end of the growing phase and better performance at the beginning of the laying phase for the Japanese quails.

Effect of dietary digestible lysine concentration on performance, egg quality, and blood metabolites in laying hens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary digestible lysine concentration on productive performance, egg quality, and blood metabolites in laying hens. A completely randomized block design was performed with 5 treatments and 6 replicates of 8 Hy-line W-36 hens each, from 32 to 44 wk of age. The treatments were 5 digestible lysine concentrations (0.657, 0.707, 0.757, 0.807, and 0.857% of diet). Feed intake was significantly increased with each increment in dietary digestible lysine concentration. Significant improvement in egg production, egg weight, egg mass, Haugh unit, and FCR were observed by an increase in lysine intake. Dietary lysine concentration did not have a significant impact on percentage of egg components, specific gravity, eggshell thickness, DM, and protein constituents of eggs. Dietary digestible lysine concentration did not have a significant effect on triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), uric acid, and total protein in plasma. The digestible lysine requirements for optimal egg production, egg mass, and egg weight (32 to 44 wk of age), based on the linear broken-line regression analysis, were 814, 810 and 778 (mg/b/d), respectively. Whereas, these values were 4, 3.9, and 6 percent less than those estimated by the quadratic broken-line model, respectively.

Influence of protein nutrition and virginiamycin supplementation on feedlot growth performance and digestive function of calf-fed Holstein steers.

Two experiments were conducted to examine the influence of protein and virginiamycin (VM) supplementation on feedlot growth performance, digestion, and metabolizable AA (MAA) supply of calf-fed Holstein steers. Growth performance and dietary energetics were evaluated in 120 Holstein steers (127 ± 9 kg). During the initial 112-d feeding period, a steam-flaked corn-based diet was balanced to meet either 100% (MAB) or 87% (UREA) of MAA requirements. Diets were supplemented with or without 22.5 mg/kg VM in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Subsequently (d 112 to 308), all steers received the UREA diet with or without VM. During the initial 112-d, MAB increased ADG, G:F, and dietary NE ( < 0.01). Thereafter, when all steers received the UREA diet, ADG, G:F, and dietary NE were not different ( > 0.10) across initial supplementation treatments. Overall (d 1 to 308), MAB did not affect ADG ( > 0.10) but enhanced G:F efficiency ( = 0.03) and dietary NE ( = 0.05). During the initial 112-d period and through the remainder of the experiment, VM increased G:F ( < 0.01) and dietary NE ( < 0.01). Four Holstein steers (146 ± 4 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate initial 112-d treatment effects on digestive function. There were no treatment effects ( > 0.10) on ruminal digestion of OM, NDF, starch, microbial efficiency, or total tract digestion of OM and NDF. The MAB increased indispensable AA flow to the small intestine ( < 0.01) and total tract digestion of N ( < 0.01) and starch ( = 0.04). Observed AA supply to small intestine was in agreement with expected supply ( = 0.96). Virginiamycin decreased ( = 0.04) nonammonia N flow to the small intestine and did not affect ( > 0.10) total tract N digestion. Extrapolating from AA supplies in the metabolism study, MAB satisfied indispensable AA requirements during the initial 112-d period, whereas the UREA diet met 73.5% and 79.2% of methionine and lysine requirements, respectively. During the subsequent periods (d 112 to 308) indispensable AA supplies exceeded theoretical requirements. We conclude that enhancements in energy utilization when diets are balanced to meet MAA requirements of calf-fed Holstein steers during the initial 112-d feedlot period remain appreciable throughout time on feed. Virginiamycin enhanced efficiency of energy utilization throughout the feedlot growing-finishing period.

Evaluation of the digestible lysine requirements in female turkeys from 0 to 68 days of age

Over the past years, turkey meat has gained a prominent position in the global market. As lysine (Lys) is among the main essential amino acids (AA) for protein deposition in the carcass, defining Lys requirements can contribute to improving the performance and carcass yield of turkey for meat production. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate if the digestible Lys levels proposed by breeder’s guidelines are adequate to achieve the best performance in the used rearing and feed conditions of this study. In each phase, 800 female turkeys of the BUT (British United Turkey) hybrid strain were used. The turkeys were distributed in a completely randomized design in experiment 1 (initial phase: 0–25 d) and in a randomized block design in experiment 2 (growth phase: 26–48 d) and experiment 3 (finishing phase: 49–68 d). The treatments consisted of graded levels of digestible Lys with eight replications of 20 turkeys each. The digestible Lys levels tested were 13.6, 14.5, 15.8, 16.9 and 18.2g/kg in the initial phase; 12.2, 13.2, 14.4, 15.4 and 16.2g/kg in the growth phase; and 9.7, 10.4, 11.4, 12.1 and 13.7g/kg in the finishing phase. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency (FE) and carcass yield (CY) were evaluated. The ADG, FE and CY data were improved by the digestible Lys levels (P<0.05), and the data were adjusted to the quadratic and broken line functions. The digestible Lys level was estimated by the first intercept of the quadratic function with the plateau of the broken line function. At the end of experiment 3, the CY was evaluated (at 68 d). The digestible Lys level for better ADG and FE were, respectively, 16.69g/kg and 16.55g/kg in the initial phase, 14.25g/kg and 14.15g/kg in the growth phase, and 12.23g/kg and 12.07g/kg in the finishing phase. The digestible Lys level for CY was 12.32g/kg. The current study concludes that digestible Lys levels are in the range of the nutritional guidelines for the strain used, except in the initial phase. Due to the difference in the initial recommendation, these levels should be validated in further investigations through performance trials.

Lisina digestível em rações para frangos de corte tipo caipira

RESUMO Dois experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de determinar as exigências de lisina digestível para frangos tipo caipira, linhagem Redbro machos e fêmeas, criados em semiconfinamento durante as fases de crescimento (43 a 56) e final (57 a 70 dias). Para isso, 630 frangos foram alojados em 30 boxes com área de pastejo e o delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5x2 (lisina digestível e sexo) e três repetições com 21 aves cada. Os níveis de lisina digestível avaliados foram: 6,07; 7,07; 8,07; 9,07 e 10,07g/kg (fase de crescimento) e 6,00; 7,00; 8,00; 9,00 e 10,00g/kg (fase final). Avaliou-se o desempenho, o rendimento de carcaça e cortes, gordura abdominal e características da qualidade da carne. Para a fase de crescimento não houve diferenças dos níveis de lisina sobre o desempenho dos frangos, exceto para o consumo de lisina digestível. Portanto, o nível de 6,07 g de lisina digestível/kg de ração atende as exigências dos frangos de ambos os sexos. Para a fase final observou-se efeito dos níveis de lisina digestível somente para a conversão alimentar, sendo o nível de 8,51 g de lisina /kg de ração o que melhora essa variável.

Digestible lysine for broiler chickens with lower genetic potential grown on free-range system

ABSTRACT Determining the actual lysine requirement is crucial as it is an essential amino acid and plays animportant role in the metabolism of broilers. In addition, it is the second limiting amino acid for broilers fed with rations formulated basedon corn and soybean meal. The aim of this study was to determine the digestible lysine requirement for male broilers with lower genetic potential for growth in a semi-confined system as well as to evaluate the effects of different values of digestible lysine on performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 300 broiler chickensfrom a commercial lineage EMBRAPA 041 were used with an average initial weight of 987 g. The broilers were distributed into 20 experimental units in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0.586; 0.746; 0.906; 1.066, and 1.226% digestible lysine), four replicates and 15 broilers per experimental unit.In both periods, there were linear effect of digestible lysine values on the lysine intake and lysine utilization efficiency and quadratic effect on final body weight, weight gain and feed: gain ratio.There was a quadratic effect on the absolute weight of carcasses, breast, thigh + drumstick and income gizzard.For rearing of male broilers with lesser genetic growth potential reared in semi-confinement, rations with 1.040% and 1.103% digestible lysine can be recommended for maximum weight gain in periods from 35 to 70 and 35 to 84 days of age, respectively.

Controlled trial of whole body protein synthesis and plasma amino acid concentrations in yearling horses fed graded amounts of lysine

Lysine has been reported as the first limiting amino acid in typical equine diets. Indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) has become the standard method for determining amino acid requirements in other species, but prior to this study, it has not been used to determine equine requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate whole body protein synthesis and plasma and muscle amino acid concentrations in response to graded levels of lysine intake in yearling horses. Six Thoroughbred colts (358 ± 5 kg) were fed each of six treatment lysine intakes ranging from 76 to 136 mg/kg body weight/day. Blood samples were taken before and 90 min after the morning concentrate meal. Gluteal muscle biopsies were taken ~100 min after the morning concentrate meal. The next day, whole body phenylalanine kinetics were determined using a 2 h primed, constant infusion of [13C] sodium bicarbonate followed by a 6 h primed, constant infusion of [1-13C] phenylalanine. Plasma lysine concentrations increased linearly (P < 0.05) at both the 0 and 90 min time points with increasing lysine intakes. Free muscle asparagine, aspartate, arginine, glutamine, lysine, taurine and tryptophan concentrations responded quadratically to lysine intake (P < 0.05). Phenylalanine kinetics did not differ between treatment intakes (P > 0.10). A broken line analysis of lysine intake and phenylalanine oxidation failed to yield a breakpoint from which to determine a lysine requirement. These diets may have been limiting in an amino acid other than lysine, underscoring the lack of data concerning amino acid requirements and bioavailability data in the horse.

Quantitative estimates of the optimal balance between digestible lysine and the true protein contents of broiler feeds

Typical poultry feed formulation models have been developed for meeting the minimum specifications of the essential amino acids (EAAs), ignoring the importance of providing precise levels of the non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) that are required for maximum performance. Including true protein (TP) values in these models in relation to EAAs can most accurately account for the requirements of all amino acids (AAs) in the ration (essential, non-essential and excess EAAs).Data from recent research reports on the digestible lysine (dLys) requirements for maximum weight gain and minimum feed conversion ratio (FCR) were compiled from the literature. dLys requirements and the TP contents of the feeds were recalculated based on common ingredient composition values. Broken-line linear (BLL) and broken-line quadratic (BLQ) models were fitted to the data and compared.The dLys requirements of broilers (g/kg diet) for body weight gain (BWG) and FCR were found to increase linearly as a function of the true and crude protein contents of the diet. These relationships were not affected by either age or sex. As chickens aged, the dLys requirements decreased. However, the dLys requirement to TP ratio did not change with age for BWG or FCR.For maximum BWG and minimum FCR, the dLys requirements were estimated from the prediction models to be 4.92% ± 0.51 and 5.58% ± 0.70 of the TP level of the diet, using the BLL models, respectively.The good linear relationship between the dLys requirement and TP level allows the prediction of the variables from each other for use in feed formulation to represent the requirements of both EAAs and NEAAs.The dietary dLys requirements were estimated to be lower using the BLL vs. the BLQ models.TP was a better predictor of dLys requirements than crude protein (higher R2 values).

Lisina digestível na ração de frangos de corte tipo caipira na fase de crescimento

RESUMO O presente experimento foi conduzido para determinar as exigências de lisina digestível para frangos de corte (linhagem Redbro), machos e fêmeas, durante o período de crescimento. Foram utilizados 630 frangos, alojados em 30 boxes com acesso à área de pastejo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (lisina e sexo), e três repetições com 21 aves cada. Os níveis de lisina digestível avaliados foram: 7,07; 8,07; 9,07; 10,07 e 11,07g/kg. Avaliou-se o consumo de lisina, o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. Observou-se efeito de interação (P&lt;0,05) entre os níveis de lisina e sexo para o ganho de peso. Houve efeito (P&lt;0,01) dos níveis de lisina sobre o consumo de lisina, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. Verificou-se que todas as variáveis foram influenciadas (P&lt;0,05) pelo sexo dos frangos. Recomendam-se 10,08 e 9,49g de lisina digestível/kg de ração, correspondendo ao consumo estimado de 21 e 20g de lisina, para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente, para melhor ganho de peso das aves. Para melhor conversão alimentar, recomendam-se 9,61g de lisina digestível/kg, para frangos de ambos os sexos, correspondendo ao consumo estimado de 20g de lisina.

Standardized ileal digestible lysine requirements of male pigs immunized against gonadotrophin releasing factor.

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys requirement of entire male and male pigs immunized against gonadotrophin releasing factor (GnRF; immunocastrates). A total of 420 entire male and immunocastrated (IC) male pigs weighing 60.1 kg BW (SEM 0.49) were used in a 2 × 5 factorial experiment with the main effects being gender (entire males or IC males) and 5 concentrations of SID Lys:DE ratio (0.32, 0.43, 0.54, 0.64, or 0.75 g SID Lys/MJ DE). The diets were fed for 6 wk until slaughter at 107.5 kg BW (SEM 5.72). Over the entire period, IC males had a greater ADG ( < 0.001), greater ADFI ( < 0.001), and lower G:F ( < 0.001) compared with entire males. Immunocastrated males had increased plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations compared with entire males from d 10 to 42 ( < 0.001 for all days). Plasma urea nitrogen concentration also increased as Lys concentrations increased from d 3 to 42 ( < 0.001 for all days). Using the linear-plateau model, the optimal ADG for entire males was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.68, 0.62, 0.54, and 0.58 g/MJ DE whereas optimal G:F was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.72, 0.60, 0.54, and 0.51 g/MJ DE for the time periods d 0 to 14, d 15 to 28, d 29 to 42, and d 0 to 42, respectively. For IC males, optimal ADG was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.64, 0.43, 0.38, and 0.40 g/MJ DE whereas optimal G:F was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.64, 0.43, 0.36, and 0.42 g/MJ DE for the same respective time periods. Using the quadratic polynomial model, maximum ADG for entire males was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.62 and 0.58 g/MJ DE whereas maximum G:F was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.59 and 0.68 g/MJ DE for d 29 to 42 and d 0 to 42, respectively. For IC pigs, maximum ADG was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.69, 0.54, and 0.64 g/MJ DE whereas maximum G:F was achieved at SID Lys concentrations of 0.81, 0.54, and 0.64 g/MJ DE for d 0 to 14, d 29 to 42, and d 0 to 42, respectively. A solution could not be found using the quadratic polynomial model for entire males for d 0 to 14 for both ADG and G:F and for both entire males and IC males for d 15 to 28 within the range of Lys values tested. When both the growth performance and PUN values are considered, the results suggest that IC males show a response to dietary SID Lys similar to that of entire males for 2 wk after the second immunization against GnRF. After this, IC males have a lower requirement for SID Lys than entire males.

201 Lysine requirement titration for barrows and gilts from 25- to 75-kg

Citation: Landero, J. L., Young, M. G., Touchette, K. J., Stevenson, M. J., Clark, A. B., Goncalves, M. A. D., & Dritz, S. S. (2016). Lysine requirement titration for barrows and gilts from 25-to 75-kg. Journal of Animal Science, 94, 95-95. doi:10.2527/msasas2016-201

408 Determining the standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement of 6.8 to 15.9 kg pigs

Citation: Vier, C. M., De Souza, I. B., De Jong, J. A., Goncalves, M. A. D., Jones, A. M., Goodband, R. D., . . . Dritz, S. S. (2016). Determining the standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement of 6.8 to 15.9 kg pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 94, 191-191. doi:10.2527/msasas2016-408

044 Determination of lysine adequacy on a population basis for growing pigs

Nutrient requirements are primarily determined for a growth phase and mean population without considering population variation and important variables that define population response. For lysine curves to be financially useful, responses must be established using multiple criteria and equations must be developed for financial modeling. This study defined the response to 4 standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine curves using 6 population growth (whole-body and carcass) and carcass primal parameters. A total of 2048 pigs (PIC Camborough × TR-4 or 327) were used in a growth assay from 20.4 ( ± 0.3 kg) to 119.0 ( ± 1.1 kg) with a fixed-time end point (110 d). Pigs were placed in 65 pens (30 to 32 pigs/pen and 0.70 m2/pig), blocked by BW, and randomly allotted within gender and genotype to 4 dietary treatments administered in 5 phases of growth (20 kg BW phases). Dietary treatments corresponded to 4 different SID lysine curves that deviated from the 2008 PIC lysine specifications. Curves were 92, 98, 104, and 110% of the PIC standard lysine curve {SID lysine:ME [g SID lysine/Mcal ME (NRC, 1998)] = (2.7 × 10−5 × BW2) − (0.0153 × BW) + 4.114)}. Diets were corn–soybean meal based with 15.0% corn distiller's dried grains with solubles and 2.7% choice white grease as a fat source. Major ingredients were constant within diet phase, but crystalline AA were adjusted as required. Feed medication and ractopamine were not used. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with pen as the experimental unit. Whole-body ADG improved as lysine increased (quadratic, P = 0.02; 0.82, 0.85, 0.83, and 0.82 kg/d for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively) as did G:F (quadratic, P < 0.001; 0.399, 0.418, 0.425, and 0.418 for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively). Likewise, carcass G:F improved as lysine increased (linear, P < 0.001; 0.294, 0.303, 0.308, and 0.308 for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively). The effect of increasing lysine on population growth was reflected by the reduction of the proportion of pigs sold as substandard (quadratic, P = 0.014; 6.5, 3.7, 2.8, and 4.3% for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively), which improved full-value market pigs (quadratic, P = 0.008, 91.2, 94.6, 95.3, and 92.9% for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively). Carcass lean increased as lysine increased (linear, P = 0.011; 52.5, 52.6, 52.6, and 52.8% for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively) as did the primal yield (n = 309) relative to a 98.2-kg carcass, with the latter being identical in response form to other criteria (linear, P = 0.037; 87.5, 87.7, 88.0, and 87.9% for the 92, 98, 104, and 110% curves, respectively). This study determined the lysine curve on a population basis, using criteria not captured in interval studies. Response asymptote for each criterion was achieved at 104% of the 2008 PIC lysine requirement.