Lysine requirement studies in modern genotype barrows dependent on age, protein deposition and dietary lysine efficiency.

N balance experiments were conducted to derive age-dependent model parameters for modelling of lysine (Lys) requirements in growing pigs. Modern genotype barrows from 16 litters were utilized (four piglets/litter) at 15, 30, 50, 70, 90 and 110 kg body weight respectively. Six diets provided graded dietary protein supply (40 to 320 g/kg) by a constant mixture of barley, wheat, potato protein, wheat gluten, soybean protein concentrate and crystalline amino acids. Lys was set as the first limiting dietary amino acid. Each age period provided 24 N balance data (n = 4) to derive N maintenance requirement (NMR) and theoretical maximum for daily N retention (NR(max)T) by non-linear regression analysis. At high dietary Lys efficiency, 17-18 g daily Lys intake was required for 170 g daily protein deposition. To achieve similar daily protein deposition, pigs need 21-23 g Lys if the Lys efficiency is 20% lower. For higher daily protein deposition (195-200 g) and varying dietary Lys efficiency, between 22 and 29 g Lys was required. The Lys requirement data yielded by modelling were in line with current recommendations. Further developments of the approach are discussed to improve age-independent applications.