Influence of Protein Level, Amino Acid Ratio and Caloric Density of the Diet on Feed Intake and Performance of Pigs

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Abstract
A total of 180 weanling pigs were used in three experiments to determine the influence of protein level and ratio of protein from corn and soybean meal on voluntary feed intake of diets of varying caloric density. Animal fat (yellow grease) was used to vary dietary caloric density. Protein level and caloric density of the diet each influenced daily feed intake independently. Daily caloric intake was greatly depressed by increasing levels of dietary calories when protein level was inadequate and was even more depressed when the diet contained an amino acid imbalance. Daily feed intake was not significantly influenced by protein level as long as amino acid balance was adequate. The depression in caloric intake resulting from increasing caloric density was not evident when low-protein diets containing high quality protein was fed. Copyright © 1967. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1967 by American Society of Animal Science