The significance of the amino acid staus of rations for the growing pig : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with honours in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

This project examines the significance of proteins in pig nutrition with special reference to rations used in boar performance testing . Throughout the world, as in New Zealand , it is generally recognised that cereals , and barley in particular , represent the most attractive sources ot: energy in pig rations. A major limitation in the use of such cereals as the sole constituents in rations for pigs , particularly for growing pigs, is that cereals provide inadequate quantities of both protein and their constituent amino acids to meet the nutrition requirements of' the animals . Hence cereal :feeds have to be supplemented with other feeds which contain a higher concentration of these amino acids . Current knowledge of the protein and amino acid concentration of both locally produced barley and protein rich supplements which are locally available is limited. Hence firstly in this di ssertation the nutrient requirements of pigs are reviewed. Then secondly, a report is presented of work carried out to monitor the nutritive value of feeds currently being used at the McMeekon Boar Test Centre, Springston. Boar performance testing is now generally regarded as being the most e:ff'icient method :for selecting superior breeding stock :for the genetic improvement o:f pigs . In such testing schemes, however , it is essential that the rations used should be adequate in both nutrient composition and nutrient concentration. The third part of this dissertation is concerned with a description and discussion of boar performance testing as applied locally. Then finally, a report is presented on work carried out to study the effect of environmental temperature on growth rates of boars under test.