LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

 Essential amino acids (EAAs) play a vital role in pig production systems as they are critical for growth, reproduction, immune function, and overall productivity. Unlike non-essential amino acids, EAAs cannot be synthesized by the pig’s body and must be provided through the diet. Key Essential Amino Acids The most important EAAs for pigs include: Lysine : Often the first limiting amino acid in pig diets; crucial for muscle growth and protein synthesis. Methionine : Supports protein metabolism, antioxidant defense, and feather and hair production. Threonine : Vital for immune function, gut health, and overall metabolism. Tryptophan : Involved in protein synthesis and precursor for serotonin, affecting mood and appetite. Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) : Important for energy metabolism and muscle repair. Phenylalanine : Precursor for tyrosine, involved in neurotransmitter production. Histidine : Essential for growth and repair of tissues. Importance of Essential

 Formulating an effective feed for pig production involves balancing nutrients to meet the pigs' specific requirements at various stages of growth, while ensuring cost-effectiveness. The key nutrients required in pig feed are energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water. Steps for Feed Formulation Understand Nutritional Requirements : Piglets (Weaners) : High protein (20–24%), energy, and easily digestible feed. Growers : Moderate protein (16–18%), high energy for growth. Finishers : Lower protein (14–16%), high energy for weight gain. Breeders : Balanced diet with vitamins and minerals for reproduction and lactation. Select Feed Ingredients : Commonly used feed ingredients: Energy sources : Maize Barley Sorghum Wheat Cassava Protein sources : Soybean meal Fish meal Groundnut cake Sunflower meal Dried blood meal Vitamins and minerals : Premixes (commercial vitamin-mineral mixes) Limestone (calcium) Dicalcium phosphate (phosphorus) Salt Fiber (limited for pig diets): Wheat bran R