Implications
Results of the present study indicate that 3.30 Mcal/
kg of metabolizable energy (as-fed basis) is sufficient
energy for optimal live pig performance and lean tissue
deposition in pigs fed 10 ppm of ractopamine. Moreover,
results of this study suggest that the lysine:energy ratio
for optimal performance and carcass composition seems
to be higher than that reported in the literature, and
higher than levels currently being used in the industry.
Yet, the major drawbacks to feeding very high (greater
than 3.0 g of lysine/Mcal of metabolizable energy) lysine:
energy ratios to late-finishing pigs may include decreased
intramuscular fat and cooked pork tenderness.