To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering nitrogen output in the slurry, formulating practical diets is more flexible in regard to low protein diets. In the past, lower crude protein was associated with fatter carcasses and reduced growth performance. Pigs were compared in three categories: regular, intermediate and low protein groups. Crude protein levels can be reduced when the dietary electrolyte balance is maintained constant and synthetic amino acids are used. It may even improve carcass quality as performance and carcass characteristics were unchanged except for increased loin muscle thickness.
The Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed Diets with Reduced Crude Protein (full article)
