Estimating the Lysine Requirements of Halothane Carrier Sired Barrows and Gilts

Purdue University 1998 Swine Day Research Report. The use of high lean genetics in pork production has become commonplace. Incorporating these new genetic lines requires producers to change management practices and nutrition programs. Because feed costs can account for approximately two-thirds of the cost of production, it is necessary to maximize production efficiency by meeting the nutritional requirements of the pig. These lean genotypes can be created using halothane positive or carrier terminal sires. The objectives of this trial were to estimate the lysine requirements of halothane carrier sired pigs using growth performance, carcass characteristics, growth curves, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations.