The effects of a low protein intake on the growth and blood parameters of weaning pigs

The effects of dietary protein content on health and productivity were studied in 41 weaned Danube white breed pigs growing from 9 to 25 kg live weight. The duration of the experiment was 41 days. The compound feeds for the two groups had the same component composition and were calculated to match the needs of the animals, but differed in the amount of crude protein. Animals were offered two diets providing 190.2 and 160.2 g crude protein per kg and 9.3 g lysine per kg, respectively. When reducing dietary protein, it is important to pay attention to lysine, as it is key to growth and general animal health. The equalisation of the lysine content in the compound feeds was done by synthetic lysine. Pigs were fed ad libitum equal rations. In conclusion: Reduced protein levels did not significantly affect the growth of weaned pigs (386 g/d and 380 g/d) when the compound feeds were equalised for lysine content. Pigs fed low protein levels had better utilisation of crude protein (p<0.001) and poor utilisation of crude fat (p=0.045). Reduced protein levels have a statistically significant positive effect on haematological and biochemical blood parameters associated with health status in weaned pigs. The results can be used to practically solve some health problems when weaning pigs.