PROTEIN STORAGE OF PIGS IN THE ABSENCE OF BODY WEIGHT GAIN

Abstract

Five- to six-month-old pigs were maintained at constant weight for 6-week periods on rations containing 16, 26 and 33 per cent protein. Results of 72 7-day nitrogen balance trials showed that pigs could retain up to 6.5 grams of nitrogen per day for 6 weeks. Highest nitrogen retention was obtained on the 26 and 33 per cent protein rations with little difference between the maximum retention figures at either level. A preliminary carbon-nitrogen balance indicated that there was little change in the fat stores of the pigs.