Effect of a Low-Lysine Diet Based on Newly Estimated Lysine Requirements on the Intramuscular Fat Content in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Fattening Pigs

Abstract

We have previously reported the new lysine requirements for fattening pigs raised in Japan. This study aimed to determine whether a low-lysine diet based on this newly estimated requirement could increase the intramuscular fat content in fattening pigs. Twenty-nine (Large White × Landrace) × Duroc crossbreeds, 14 weeks old and weighing 50 kg, were used in this experiment. The pigs were assigned to the control and low-lysine groups. The control pigs were fed a control diet, and the low-lysine pigs were fed a low-lysine diet for 2 months. As expected, the intramuscular fat content of the longissimus dorsi muscle was higher in the low-lysine group (p < 0.01). Therefore, we conclude that a low-lysine diet based on the newly estimated lysine requirement promotes intramuscular fat accumulation in the longissimus dorsi muscles of fattening pigs.