Differences in species of origin, quantity of bones, and other factors produce variability in the proximate composition
and energy value of meat and bone meal (MBM). An assay of MBM from different sources that are different in composition may provide a prediction equation that is robust enough to be used in the prediction of energy value of MBM. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the apparent ME (AME) and nitrogen-corrected ME (AMEn) of 21 MBM samples and establish equations for predicting energy values of MBM for swine. The result of this study showed that MBM is, in addition to being a source of CP and minerals, a good energy source with an average AME value of 3,070 kcal/kg. In addition, the current study highlighted the potential of using proximate compositions for predicting the AME and AMEn of MBM for pigs. The study also established that in addition to the proximate compositions, factors that influence the utilization of these fractions, especially fat and CP, may have substantial impact on energy utilization of MBM. We believe that although other factors extrinsic to MBM may have influence on its energy utilization, the use of proximate fractions as well as the characteristics of these fractions should be sufficient for predicting the energy value of MBM for swine.

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