Low protein diets for pigs: where are we going?

Resumen

Objective: To update the trends of advantages and disadvantages of using low-protein diets (LPD) for fattening pigs, as well as providing information on the direction of LPDs in future research.

Approach: The advantages and disadvantages of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) in the diet with supplementation of synthetic amino acids (AA) have been reported in recent years, in order to generate a sustainable swine industry.

Results: The reduction of CP in diets for fattening pigs saves protein ingredients, decreases not only nitrogen excretion but also feeding costs, without affecting growth performance compared to traditional diets.

Implications: The good response of reducing the amount of CP in pig diets is not unique; there are also unwanted effects in the pigs’ response to be considered. Therefore, the use of LPD for pigs needs further research to analyze the use of feed additives that maintain of improve the productive response and/or to avoid their negative effects on pork.

Conclusions:  There are advantages and disadvantages of feeding pigs with LPD; however, there is the need to study the issue focusing on the reduction of the cost of feed and the protection of the environment from nitrogen excretion.