Abstract
A total of 120 pigs $(L\;{\times}\;LW\;{\times}\;D)$ averaged 14.16 kg of body weight were reared under six dietary treatments to evaluate the effects of amino acid supplementation on their performances. Treatments were 1) 18% CP diet (control); 2) 15% CP+0.28% Lys (B, 15L); 3) B+0.06% Met (15LM); 4) B+0.13% Thr (15LT) ; 5) B+0.06% Met+0.13% Thr (15LMT); 6) B+0.06% Met+0.13% Thr+0.05% Trp (15LMTT). Each treatment had 4 replicates with 5 pigs per replicate. The daily weight gains were statistically similar in 15LMT, 15LMTT and control groups. Threonine and methionine supplementation resulted in improved growth performance and nutrient digestibilities, while tryptophan supplementation had little beneficial effect. However, the best feed conversion was found in the control group. Dry. matter and CP digestibilities were improved in the 15LMT and 15LMTT groups. Gross energy, crude fat and phosphorus digestibilities were not affected by the treatment. Among the 15% CP groups, nitrogen digestibility showed the tendency to be increased as the more synthetic amino acids were added. Dry matter and nitrogen excretions were significantly reduced by feeding low protein, amino acid fortified diets, while phosphorus excretion was not influenced. Essential amino acids digestibility was higher in 15LT, 15LMT and 15LMTT groups and lower in the control. The 15LT group showed the best lysine digestibility, and methionine digestibilities were higher in all treated groups than control one. Threonine digestibilities higher in 15LT 15LMT, and 15LMTT than the control. The result shows that threonine and methionine should be added to the diet containing 15% CP diet, fortified with lysine to get same performance of 18% CP diet.