Low-protein diets may be nitrogen-deficient for optimal growth in pigs. Previous work showed a benefit in grower pigs when dietary nitrogen, either through protein or non-protein nitrogen, was increased. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of dietary nitrogen content and source on finisher pig performance. Finisher pigs were fed a nitrogen-deficient diet or a diet containing supplemental nitrogen as protein or non-protein nitrogen. Diets included either a standard or supplemented level of lysine. There was no impact of diet on performance. This indicates that finisher pigs may not respond to additional nitrogen as was previously observed in grower pigs.
