Sometimes swine producers are tempted to compromise feed quality, or place less emphasis on the grower and finishing diets in their nutritional programs. The goal of a feeding program is to maximize lean growth at the least cost. Nutritional requirements of pigs vary from one farm to the next and change as the pigs mature. Pigs of all genetic potential need less lysine as they get closer to market weight. Determining the exact nutritional requirements of each group of pigs is difficult.
Many producers attempt to feed diets suitable for the average of the group.
Emphasis should be placed on following a breeding program, keeping accurate records, so pigs produced will be genetically similar, and grouping pigs of similar weight and age. Environmental stresses such as overcrowding or high temperatures reduce feed consumption. Higher lysine levels should be fed to pigs under these conditions. If your pigs average performance does not meet the above listed criteria, the high lean diets may not be cost effective since feed cost will be increased without improving efficiency. However, other factors may be influencing total percent lean such as pig health status, feeder space, overcrowding, ventilation rates, availability of fresh water, weight variation within pens, and parasites.