Protein turnover is a balance between protein synthesis and breakdown and is
affected by both energy and protein intake. Energy and protein metabolism
was studied in non-pregnant sows at two feed intakes to determine the effect
of energy intake on use of dietary amino acids for protein deposition. It was found that sows fed adequate energy and protein reduced body protein
breakdown and incorporated dietary amino acids more efficiently into body
protein. Sows fed the lower energy intake had increased body protein
breakdown and amino acids were oxidized for energy, demonstrating the
significant impact that dietary energy intake has on amino acid requirements
of sows.