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Levels of Protein for Pigs Fed a Controlled Concentrate Intake on Alfalfa Pasture

Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station^,2

Abstract

Weanling pigs on alfalfa pasture were fed levels of protein ranging from 8.9 to 16.0 percent of the ration. The rations contained ground yellow corn supplemented with minerals and vitamins; soybean oil meal was used as the source of supplementary protein. The pigs were individually-fed concentrate on an equalized basis, and the alfalfa pasture was supplied ad libitum to the treatment groups.

From weaning to 100 lb. liveweight the response to protein levels showed a statistically significant interaction with season. During the first season the pigs consumed feed at an average of 4.52 percent of their bodyweight and they exhibited a greater response to protein levels than in the second season in which the pigs ate at a rate equal to 3.29 percent of their bodyweight. A level of 12.0 percent protein supported maximum rate and efficiency of gains during both seasons.

From 100 to 200 lb. liveweight the rate and efficiency of gains were not significantly improved by the addition of supplementary protein to yellow corn with minerals and vitamins or a ration containing 8.9 percent protein. However, pigs fed a single protein level from weaning to 200 lb. exhibited maximum performance on 12.0 percent protein.

Pigs fed 8.9, 10.0, and 12.0 percent protein from 100 to 200 lb. did not differ in mean backfat thickness as measured by live probe.

¹ The authors wish to acknowledge A. E. Staley Mfg. Co., Decatur, Illinois; Central Soya Co., Inc., Decatur, Indiana; Hiram Walker and Sons, Inc., Peoria, Illinois, and Merck and Co., Rahway, New Jersey, for funds or products which made this investigation possible.

² Urbana.