Energy and Protein Relationship Studies with Growing-Finishing Swine

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Abstract
One hundred sixty-eight weanling pigs were used in two experiments conducted to study the effects of dietary energy, type of ration, and quantity of protein on performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing swine. In experiment I pigs fed corn rations gained significantly (P<.05) faster than pigs fed corn-oat rations. Feed efficiency was also improved when the corn rations were fed. Average daily gain was not affected significantly when fat was added to the rations. The addition of fat to either the corn or the corn-oat rations decreased feed consumption and improved feed efficiency. Carcass evaluations showed that there were no significant effects due to fat in the rations. In experiment II the average daily gain of pigs fed the high protein ration was significantly faster than that of pigs fed the low protein ration. Average daily feed consumption was reduced as the energy level was increased in both the high and low protein rations. Feed efficiency was improved linearly as the level of energy was increased with both levels of protein. Energy efficiency was decreased as the level of energy was increased in low protein rations. The carcass evaluations indicated that pigs fed high protein rations produced carcasses with a significantly higher percent of lean cuts, less backfat thickness and more loin-eye area. Additional energy in the rations resulted in significantly (P<.05) more backfat and less lean cuts.