Impact of Dietary Lysine Supplementation on Growth Performance of Large White Pigs in Tropical Environments
Kpassi Seme *
Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Higher School of Agronomy, University of Lomé ESA/UL, 01PO Box: 1515 Lomé, Togo and Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research, PO Box: 1163 Lomé, Togo.
Koffi Ganyo Somenutse
Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research, PO Box: 1163 Lomé, Togo.
Wémbedeba Magueda
National Agricultural Training Institute of Tové, PO Box: 401 Kpalimé Togo.
Didja Léon Madiala
National Agricultural Training Institute of Tové, PO Box: 401 Kpalimé Togo.
Oyegunle Emmanuel Oke
Regional Center of Excellence on Avian Sciences (CERSA), University of Lomé, 01 PO BOX: 1515 Lomé, Togo and Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, PO Box 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Kokou Voemesse
Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research, PO Box: 1163 Lomé, Togo and Regional Center of Excellence on Avian Sciences (CERSA), University of Lomé, 01 PO BOX: 1515 Lomé, Togo.
Wéré Pitala
Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Higher School of Agronomy, University of Lomé ESA/UL, 01PO Box: 1515 Lomé, Togo and Regional Center of Excellence on Avian Sciences (CERSA), University of Lomé, 01 PO BOX: 1515 Lomé, Togo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Context: The presence of lysine in the feed ration of pigs optimizes their growth rate and feed efficiency.
Objective: This study evaluated the effect of lysine supplementation on the production performance of weaned piglets.
Methods: A total of 120 Large White weanlings were subjected to four treatments (L0.95, L1, L1.15, and L1.3) with four replicates. Animals in batches L0.95, L1, L1.15 and L1.3 were fed a base ration supplemented with 0.95%, 1%, 1.15% and 1.3% lysine, respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, body weights and body measurements, such as back length, thoracic perimeter and height at the withers. The data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.
Results: This study showed that live weight and feed intake were statistically similar for all batches; however, batch L1 gave the best feed intake index and average daily gain compared to the other batches. The strongest correlation was observed between weight and chest circumference. Economic evaluation revealed that the best production costs were found in batches L1 and L1.15.
Conclusion: Lysine supplementation at 1% in the diet resulted in better production and economic performance in large white piglets.
Implications: Lysine is a limiting factor in the growth of weaned pigs and strongly recommended to breeders.
Keywords: Lysine, genetics, growth, piglets