Supplemental Lysine in Feed or Water for Early Weaned Pigs

Previous work at this and other experiment stations has shown that many practical swine rations may be deficient in the amino acid lysine. This is particularly true of rations that may be somewhat low in protein for the younger pig since protein or amino acid requirements are higher during the early growth period. Last year it was reported here (A.S. Series 67-27) that pigs weaned at three weeks of age and fed rations minimal in protein content gained faster and more efficiently when lysine was added to the water or feed. The experiment reported herein was an attempt to confirm the previous results and also to study the effect of lysine on certain blood constituents