DOI QR Code
The nutritional value of protein varies between feedstuffs. It is possible to feed animals using crystalline amino acids as a sole nitrogen source, but in practice only some limiting amino acids are added to the diet. In order to use feedstuffs efficiently, it is important to determine exact amino acid requirements. Reported values differ widely because the requirements are affected by various factors. In this report, therefore, the factors affecting amino acid requirements are reviewed as follows: 1) availability of dietary amino acids, conversion factors of nitrogen to protein, interaction of amino acids, and strain, sex and age of animals; 2) amino acid requirements for maximum performance and maintenance, usefulness of non-essential amino acids; 3) plasma amino acid concentration as a parameter to determine amino acid requirements; and 4) nitrogen excretion to reduce environmental pollution. These factors should be considered, it is to improve the dietary efficiency, which is to reduce excess nitrogen excretion for environmental pollution.