Endogenous secretions of protein and amino acids in pregnant and lactating sows

Digesta appearing at the terminal ileum were collected from ten ad libitum fed growing pigs, five ad libitum fed lactating sows, five gestating sows fed 2 kg of feed per day, and four ad libitum fed gestating sows after feeding a nitrogen free diet. The results indicate that age, bodyweight, and physiological stage have little or no effect on the amount of endogenous protein and amino acids secreted in pigs if calculated as g/kg DM intake. However, daily feed intake has a significant effect on endogenous protein and amino acid losses in sows. It is concluded that Values for endogenous secretions obtained with growing pigs can be applied to sows if the feeding regime is the same.