The effect of protein level in creep feed on the growth rate and body composition of sucking pigs

Abstract

1. Three creep feeds containing 14, 18 and 22% crude protein of similar protein quality (as measured by total lysine and total methionine plus cystino content) but with similar levels of other nutrients were given ad libitum to 210 pigs, the progeny of thirty large White sows from 21 to 56 days old.2. At 21 days old, each litter was reduced to seven piglets by killing one, two or three pigs at random. The whole pig was analysed for protein, ether extract, ash and dry matter.3. At 56 days, 3 further pigs were killed in each litter and analysed in a similar manner.