Prediction of dietary protein quality based on a model of the digestion and metabolism of nitrogen in the growing pig

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Abstract
A deterministic computer model, which simulates the digestion and metabolism of dietary nitrogen (N) in the growing pig is described. The model is based on the concept of a partitioning of daily dietary N intake in pig growth. Input for the computer programme consists of: daily food intake; ingredient composition of the diet; amino acid composition of each ingredient; apparent ileal digestibility coefficients for each amino acid in each ingredient; the apparent digestible energy content of each ingredient; and the sex and liveweight of the pig. Simulated results agreed closely with experimental observations using live animals. The model enables the ranking of mixed diets according to their protein qualities, and assessment of the relative importance of dietary factors affecting protein quality.