Energy and Protein Intakes by Growing Swine. I. Effects on Rate and Efficiency of Gain and on Nutrient Digestibility1

Abstract

THE addition of fat to rations for growing swine has been demonstrated to improve rate and efficiency of gain (Robison, 1943; Kennington et al., 1958; Sewell et al., 1958; Pond et al., 1960; Clawson et al., 1962; Kuryvial et al., 1962; Lowrey et al., 1962). It is of interest to obtain further information on the effect of added fat on feed and energy intakes and requirements for dietary protein, and to define the effects on nutrient digestibility. Asplund et al. (1960) reported that additions of fat to the ration increased protein digestibility, but C]awson et al. (1962), Kuryvial and Bowland ( 1962 ) and Lowrey et al. (1962) were unable to show similar results. The effect of added fat in increasing digestibility of ether extract appears to be well established (Clawson et al., 1962; Lowrey et al., 1962), but its influence on apparent digestibility of energy by swine is not well defined.