The effects of protein and energy intake levels on the simulated performance and body composition between 30 and 60 kg of a growing pig

Abstract

The objective of the present simulation was to use the National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) pig growth simulation model to define the relationship between different protein and energy intake levels on the performance and body composition of a growing pig. Fifty diets were used to describe the effects of protein and energy intake levels. The average daily feed intake increases with both protein and energy intake levels. The average daily gain increases with increasing energy intake and dietary ideal protein content. The feed conversion ratio, which is comprised of the feed used and the scaled feed intake, decreases with increasing protein and energy intake levels. Increasing the diet protein content improves daily protein retention and total protein mass. Increasing the diet energy content also improves daily lipid retention and total lipid mass. The ratio of LR to PR decreases with increasing protein contents and decreasing energy contents.