The Effect of Infusion of Urea into the Jugular Vein on Feed Intake of Finishing Gilts

University of Nebraska 1997 Swine Day Report. Previous research suggested feed intake was reduced in growing-finishing pigs consuming corn-soybean meal diets high in crude protein. Because urea is the primary end product of the breakdown of excess dietary protein intake, the effect of intravenous infusion of urea solution on feed intake was evaluated. Daily infusions of 24 and 30 g of urea were used to mimic plasma urea concentration of pigs receiving a 25% crude protein (CP) diet. Blood samples were obtained and feed intakes were measured daily to determine plasma urea concentration and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Average daily feed intake was reduced 4% as daily infusion of urea was increased from zero to 30 grams. The data suggest that plasma urea concentration is involved in regulating feed intake in the finishing gilts consuming excess protein.