Practical application of the ideal protein concept in pigs Ideal protein for pigs

Abstract

Objective:  To know the importance of the formulation of “ideal protein” diets for nursery-growing pigs. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of the concept of ideal protein and low-protein in pigs diets to determine their practical application in commercial production. Results: Low-protein diets in pig production is an environmentally friendly strategy. The 3 percentage units of reduction in CP is the maximum level when only crystalline lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan are available. However, when there is a greater number of synthetic amino acids, the reduction in CP can be in a range of 4-5 percentage units.  Study limitations/implications: Market conditions allow the incorporation of lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan into the diet. Potentially in a short time the availability and price of valine could be considered within commercial diets. However, at the moment the inclusion of other AA is not permissible due to the low availability and high price in the market. Findings/conclusions: Low-protein diets should be used in the production of pigs, since it maintains or improves the productive variables and reduces the environmental impact, due to the reduction of nitrogen excretion to the environment.