Use of protected methionine in diets for finishing pigs

Abstract

Objective:  To evaluate the replacement of DL-Met (regular) with protected DL-Met (MP) in the growth performance of finishing pigs. Design/methodology/approach: 50 pigs were used (56.85 ± 2.02 kg initial body weight), distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of replacing regular Met with MP (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) in diets for pigs in finishing I and II stages. Results: In finishing I, the average daily gain, final body weight and back fat thickness increased linearly (p ? 0.05) as the MP in the diet increased; and the feed: gain ratio (FGR) decreased linearly (p = 0.07). In finishing II, MP improved linearly (p ? 0.10) feed intake, FGR, and longuissimus muscle area.  Study limitations/implications: The feeding of pigs with the addition of protected amino acids improves growth performance. Findings/conclusions: The addition of protected methionine in finishing pigs diets improves some growth performance variables.