The effect of frequency of feeding on the utilization of free lysine by growing pigs

Abstract

1. Pigs from 20 to 47 kg live weight were given a wheat–safflower diet supplemented with either 0, 2 or 4 g L-lysine/kg either once daily or in six equal portions at intervals of 3 h. 2. The addition of lysine at both levels significantly ( P < 0.001) increased growth rate, feed conversion and lean content of the ham. 3. Frequency of feeding had no effect on the response of pigs given the control diet. 4. A significant interaction ( P < 0.05) between frequency of feeding and lysine supplementation occurred for growth rate. Growth responses to the supplements of 2 and 4 g L-lysine/ kg with once-daily feeding were only 43 and 69% of those achieved under the frequent-feeding regimen.