Document Type

Article

2001-12

Publication Date

2002

Keywords

Lean growth, Pigs, Grower/finisher, Protein level

Summary

Selection for decreased backfat thickness and faster rate of gain has resulted in pigs with increased potential for lean gain. Although energy intake is the limiting factor for lean growth during the grower period, the underlying limiting factor to support increased protein accretion during the finishing stage seems to be lysine intake. At the finishing phase, pigs consume enough feed per day to meet their energy requirements, but protein is the most limiting nutrient Genetics and sex influence growth performance and protein accretion in finishing pigs. Pigs from different protein requirements and these differences have been associated with differences in the rate of lean gain. It is logical to assume that these differences in lean growth potential and protein requirements exist within each contemporary population as well. Pigs with potential for fast rate of lean gain utilize feed more efficiently because they are producing carcasses with more muscle and less fat. Consequently, they require a higher concentration of dietary protein (amino acids) to achieve their genetic potential for lean growth. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the efficacy of selecting pigs for lean growth potential during the grower phase to predict lean growth for these selected pigs during the finisher phase and (2) to evaluate the effect of level of dietary protein on the lean growth and carcass characteristics of these selected genotypes between 60 and 100 kg live weight.

Number of Pages

5

Format

application/pdf

Language

en

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2001

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