UTILIZATION OF NITROGEN AND AMINO ACIDS IN CANOLA MEAL BY STARTER PIGS

Abstract

The utilization of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) was determined in four canola meal (CM) supplemented diets containing either 7.8, 13.2, 17.0 or 23.8% crude protein. Eight crossbred barrows with average initial weight of 9.0 ± 0.9 kg were allotted to one of four isoenergetic diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Endogenous levels of N and AA in feces were determined by the regression analysis method. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and energy decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as the level of CM in the diet increased. True N balance increased (P < 0.05) with increasing CM levels. True N digestibility and true availabilities among all AA were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. Key words: Starter pig, canola meal, nitrogen balance, amino acids