Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry predicts the effects of dietary protein on body composition of pigs

Abstract

The present study investigated the potential of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine the effect of dietary protein on live pig body composition compared with the standard methods. The experiment utilised 48 Large White x Landrace gilts, stratified on liveweight at 17 weeks of age (initial liveweight about 60 kg), and allocated within strata to diets containing either 85 or 100% of dietary protein requirements. The diets were fed ad libitum and contained 14.6 or 16.7% protein, respectively. Pigs were housed individually to allow weekly measurement of feed intake and liveweight. A Hologic QDR4500A dual energy X-ray absorptiometer was used to determine lean, fat and ash composition of ..