Effects of feeding levels on ileal amino acid digestibility of extruded full fat soybeans in nongestating sows.

Accurate evaluation of nutrient digestibility of feedstuffs by sows is the basis of accurate diet formulation, which can reduce waste of feed resources and decrease cost of breeding. The methodology of feedstuff evaluation for sows is based mainly on the growing pig model, but the digestive physiology differs significantly between sows and growing pigs. Additionally, the amount of feed (2 to 3 kg/d) given to nongestating or gestating sows differs significantly among studies, and the effect of feed intake on standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of sows has not been reported. Results indicate that feeding level did not affect standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of extruded full fat soybeans in nongestating sows.