MODELING PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS AND DEPOSITION DURING SWINE GROWTH

An equation describing protein synthesis as a function of energy and protein intake was developed for a simplified model of swine growth. The equation (rectangular hyperbola) contained four fundamental parameters that had physiological and nutritional significance. The four fundamental parameters were the energy available for protein synthesis, protein available, the minimum energy required to synthesize one kilogram of protein (7.3 MJ/kg) and the efficiency of protein utilization. In a series of calibration runs an expression was developed to describe the efficiency of protein utilization as a function of body weight, energy and protein supply, and the maximum possible rate of protein deposition. The proposed model provided realistic predictions of protein and fat deposition under a wide variety of conditions.