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Excess crude protein for nongravid gilts
M C Fox1, K L Watkins, W M Craig
1Dept. of Anim. Sci., Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge 70803.
Journal of Animal Science
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Excess dietary crude protein (CP) in gilts reduces growth and feed intake but does not affect feed efficiency. High CP diets increase plasma urea-N and urinary nitrogen excretion, indicating metabolic stress.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Swine Physiology
- Nutrient Metabolism
Background:
- Dietary crude protein (CP) is a critical nutrient for swine growth and development.
- Understanding the impact of varying CP levels on performance and metabolic markers is essential for optimizing swine diets.
- Excessive CP intake can lead to increased nitrogen excretion and potential metabolic disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high versus low crude protein (CP) diets on growth performance, feed efficiency, and key metabolic indicators in nongravid gilts.
- To determine the impact of restricted feeding versus ad libitum access on gilts fed different CP levels.
- To assess the relationship between dietary CP, feed intake, and nitrogenous waste products.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five crossbred gilts were assigned to five dietary treatments: high (38%) or low (13%) CP diets, fed at restricted levels (1.82 kg/d) or ad libitum, plus a pair-fed control group.
- The experimental period lasted 30 days, with diets based on corn and soybean meal.
- Measurements included body weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, plasma metabolites (total free amino acids, NH3, total protein, urea-N), and urinary metabolites (total N, urea-N, NH3, orotic acid).
Main Results:
- Gilts fed restricted amounts (1.82 kg/d) showed reduced gain and gain/feed compared to ad libitum or pair-fed groups.
- Ad libitum intake of the low CP (13%) diet resulted in higher gain and feed intake than the high CP (38%) diet, with no difference in gain/feed.
- High CP diets increased plasma urea-N and urinary total N, urea-N, and orotic acid, while low CP diets increased urinary NH3.
- Plasma amino acids and protein were unaffected by dietary treatments.
Conclusions:
- Excess dietary crude protein in nongravid gilts negatively impacts growth performance and feed intake.
- High CP diets increase indicators of nitrogenous waste and metabolic stress (plasma urea-N, urinary N, orotic acid) without improving feed utilization.
- Dietary CP levels significantly influence nitrogen metabolism and excretion in growing gilts.