<b>Methionine requirements for piglets from 6 to 11kg based on the ideal protein concept</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v25i1.2131

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the methionine requirement of pigs from 6 to 11kg and its ideal ratio to lysine, based on the ideal protein concept. In each experiment, 72 pigs weaned at 21 days of age were used, in a randomized complete block design, with four treatments and six replicates. The experimental rations contained 1.40% lysine and 0.32; 0.36; 0.40 or 0.43% total methionine in the first experiment; and 1.60% lysine and 0.36; 0.42; 0.48 or 0.55% total methionine in the second experiment, fed from 6 to 11kg; from 11 to 20kg all pigs received the same ration. In experiment I, no differences were observed (P>0.05) for the performance variables (0 to 14 and 0 to 28 days). There was quadratic effect for plasma urea level (P=0.053); the lowest level was found for a total lysine: methionine ratio of 100: 28.5. In experiment II, there was a negative linear effect on weight gain (P=0.029) and a quadratic effect on plasma urea level (P=0.058); the lowest level was found for a lysine: methionine ratio of 100 : 29.4.