The Importance of Nitrogen for Growth
Protein is the second most expensive nutrient after energy in swine rations. While essential amino acids have been looked at extensively regarding requirements needed, total dietary nitrogen and non-essential amino acids have not. Pigs can use non-protein nitrogen to correct essential amino acid deficiency, though it is not a viable dietary alternative as it may not be efficient enough. Non-protein nitrogen absorbed from the hindgut can be used efficiently under conditions of dietary non-essential amino acid deficiency or total nitrogen deficiency for body protein deposition. These results may not replicate in commercial practices.
The Importance of Nitrogen for Growth (full article)