Application of the Protein Depletion-Repletion Technique in Baby Pig Feeding Experiments

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Thirty-six individually-fed baby pigs were used to determine the effect of 6 levels of protein (using dried skimmilk as the source of protein) on the repletion gains and certain blood constituents of protein-depleted baby pigs. Maximum repletion gains and feed utilization occurred in the pigs fed 21 and 18% protein during the first and second repletion periods, respectively. Statistical analysis showed the quadratic responses to be significant at P=0.05 or less. The effects of protein levels on the blood components studied were probably masked by changes in plasma volume. If plasma volumes had been determined, then it is possible that the protein source and levels might have had a significant effect on blood components. Of the blood constituents studied, the albumin/globulin ratio appears to be the most promising criterion of the effects of protein depletion and repletion and warrants further investigation.