Assessment of Standardised Ileal Crude Protein and Amino Acid Digestibilities in Protein Supplements for Piglets

A cautious assessment of standardised ileal digestibilities (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) as a measure to describe AA bioavailabilities is critical for evaluating the protein value of feed ingredients for piglets. Estimates of SID have been generated for most feed ingredients for grower-finisher pigs, whereas corresponding values for piglets hardly exist. Until now, SID values determined in grower-finisher pigs are used in diet formulation for piglets as well. However, there is some concern that these values may not be valid in piglets due to a limited digestive capacity for feed protein in piglets.