Temporary reduction of digestible lysine in nursery pig diets: performance and economic analysis

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effects of temporary dietary lysine restriction on nursery pigs’ growth performance and its economic viability compared to control diets, 144 piglets (21-d-old) were assigned randomized blocks, with two treatments twelve replicates. The control-lys: level as recommended from 21-32 32-42 days low-lys: 90% control-lys diets. From 42 62 days, all animals received a diet. 21 32 pigs fed low-lys had worse average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion, 32-d body weight (BW; P ≤ 0.05). lower intake, ADG, 42-d BW (P similar > Overall (21 days), <0.05) ADG final BW. At 27 29 diet higher (P≤0.05) incidence diarrhea. lowest cost highest efficiency index recorded for treatment. However, presented 3.9% profitability. In conclusion, reduction in diets followed by an unrestricted subsequent period led viability.