Experiment 2 (6 to 14 weeks ). A 10% increase in energy: protein ratio of the diet from 12.5 kcal ( 52.2 kJ ) TME/g protein between 6 and 9 weeks did not affect the rate of live-weight gain. Feed intake was reduced and efficiency of feed conversion improved ; this was expected as the alterations in energy: protein ratio in this experiment involved adjustments involved adjustments in nutrient density as well as protein content. Increasing the energy:protein ratio from 14.5 kcal (60.5kJ) TME/g protein from 9 to 12 weeks and from 16.0 kcal (67.0kJ) TME/g protein from 12 to 14 weeks resulted in linear decreases in rate of gain and feed intake and improved feed efficiency from 9 weeks to time of slaughter. Carcass finish was not affected by the dietary adjustments.