T.J. Erinle, O.O. Babatunde, J.K. Htoo, S.M. Mendoza, D.A. Columbus – It is unclear what factors are primarily responsible for the negative response to high protein diets. Factors other than total dietary protein content are likely involved. The concept of indigestible protein content is relatively new, and therefore, has not been specifically examined in past studies. This project was the first to characterize and validate the effect of indigestible protein on measures of animal health and performance and to examine the interaction between dietary indigestible protein, fibre content, and pathogen type.
Two diets containing similar dietary crude protein content, but different levels of indigestible protein content (IDP – low vs. high), were compared in nursery pigs. The difference in IDP was achieved by using protein sources that were digestible (soy protein concentrate) and less digestible (canola meal and corn DDGS). Results are pending further analysis.
Impact of indigestible protein on nursery pig performance and intestinal health (full article)
