Dietary lysine requirements for finisher pigs

The modern pig has an increased requirement for amino acids relative to energy to allow building of protein for lean growth.

Lysine is the first limiting amino acid in pigs diets, and it is common to include synthetic lysine to allow their requirements to be met. It is crucial to determine and provide the appropriate level of dietary lysine in pig diets to ensure lean growth is maximised and feed costs are minimised.

Benefits for producers:

• Appropriate levels of lysine in the diet will ensure lean growth of pigs is maximised and feed costs are minimised, improving productivity and profitability.

Key findings:

• Entire male pigs require more lysine than female finisher pigs.
• Immunocastrated males and females from 60-90kg do not appear to have enhanced growth performance when lysine concentrations are raised above 0.64g Average Lysine: Digestible Energy