Tip Cline Purdue University

Publish Date: December 22, 2008

Pigs require energy to maintain normal body processes, grow, and reproduce. Feeds supplying energy are major components of all swine diets, and the quantity of diet voluntarily consumed by pigs is related to its energy content. Carbohydrates from cereal grains are the most abundant energy source in swine diets. Fats and oils contain more energy than carbohydrates per unit weight but are included in the diet to a lesser extent. Amino acids, or protein, may serve as an energy source if included in the diets in excess of the requirement for protein synthesis.