<b>Lysine requirements for piglets from 6 to 11kg based on the ideal protein concept</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v25i1.2130

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with 96 piglets from 21 to 48 days of age, with the objective of determining lysine requirements of piglets weighing 6 to 11kg, based on the ideal protein concept. The piglets were distributed according to a randomized complete block design, with four treatments, eight replicates and three animals per pen. The rations, containing total lysine levels of 1.30%, 1.40%, 1.50% and 1.60% were fed from 5.84 to 11.02kg; from 11.02 to 19.90kg all animals received the same ration. The same lysine: methionine (100: 26), lysine: threonine (100: 64) and lysine: tryptophan (100: 18) ratios were maintained. No difference (P>0.05) in daily weight gain or feed intake was observed during the first 14 days. A linear improvement was observed in feed conversion and in daily weight gain adjusted for feed intake. The economic efficiency index showed an advantage for the 1.40 and 1.60 % levels of total lysine.