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Along this review we describe the results from a series of experiments performed to assess the utilization of dietary protein by the Iberian pig throughout different stages of its productive cycle. Nutritional dose-response studies involving several isoenergetic treatments differing in protein concentration -all with similar amino acid profile following the ideal protein concept- along with comparative growth and metabolic studies with conventional breeds have been performed. Our observations reveal that the capacity of this breed for protein accretion is rather limited compared to that of conventional breeds at similar stages of growth, and suggest the need for reducing the concentration of protein in the diet of the Iberian pig to comply with its metabolic profile. Basic comparative studies have brought to light information to help us explaining some of the metabolic peculiarities of this autochthonous breed of pigs, like the low capacity to accrete protein and lean tissue. We summarise all the information gathered in several experiments and provide recommendations on the concentration and composition of dietary protein in the diet for purebred animals during different phases of growth. Adequate nutritional management, particularly dietary protein provision, improves the efficiency of utilization of dietary protein and results in relevant economic, environmental and animal welfare benefits., En este trabajo de revisión describimos los resultados obtenidos en una serie de experimentos realizados con el objetivo de evaluar la utilización de la proteína dietética por el cerdo Ibérico en distintas fases de su ciclo productivo. Se describen ensayos nutricionales basados en diseños dosis/respuesta, en los que se han empleado tratamientos isoenergéticos con distinta concentración de proteína –con idéntica composición en aminoácidos siguiendo el concepto de proteína ideal-, así como ensayos ensayos metabólicos comparativos con razas porcinas magras. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la capacidad de la raza Ibérica para depositar proteína corporal es limitada en comparación con la descrita para razas porcinas convencionales en etapas similares de crecimiento. Asimismo, sugieren la necesidad de utilizar dietas con concentración de proteína sensiblemente inferior a la utilizada para razas convencionales, de acuerdo a esta limitación metabólica del animal. Estudios de carácter básico han puesto de manifiesto algunas peculiaridades metabólicas que dan lugar a un crecimiento limitado en proteína y tejido magro. Resumimos la información obtenida en varios experimentos y aportamos recomendaciones sobre la concentración y composición de la proteína en las dietas destinadas a la alimentación del cerdo Ibérico puro, en distintas fases de su ciclo productivo. Un adecuado manejo nutricional, particularmente el aporte proteico, mejora la eficiencia de utilización de este nutriente y da lugar a beneficios de carácter ambiental, económico y de bienestar animal.

Along this review we describe the results from a series of experiments performed to assess the utilization of dietary protein by the Iberian pig throughout different stages of its productive cycle. Nutritional dose-response studies involving several isoenergetic treatments differing in protein concentration -all with similar amino acid profile following the ideal protein concept- along with comparative growth and metabolic studies with conventional breeds have been performed. Our observations reveal that the capacity of this breed for protein accretion is rather limited compared to that of conventional breeds at similar stages of growth, and suggest the need for reducing the concentration of protein in the diet of the Iberian pig to comply with its metabolic profile. Basic comparative studies have brought to light information to help us explaining some of the metabolic peculiarities of this autochthonous breed of pigs, like the low capacity to accrete protein and lean tissue. We summarise all the information gathered in several experiments and provide recommendations on the concentration and composition of dietary protein in the diet for purebred animals during different phases of growth. Adequate nutritional management, particularly dietary protein provision, improves the efficiency of utilization of dietary protein and results in relevant economic, environmental and animal welfare benefits.

© 2014 Ministerio de Agricultura Pesca y Alimentacion. All Rights Reserved. A meta-analysis was made of data from a total of 211 growing-finishing Iberian (IB) pigs from four separate and independent sets of trials. Within each set of trials, a factorial arrangement of treatments was used, involving several concentrations of ideal protein in the diets and two or three levels of feed intake. Pigs were slaughtered at several stages of growth from 10 to 150 kg body weight (BW). The partition of dietary protein in the body of the pigs, the empty-body gain (EBG), the chemical composition of EBG, growth of primal cuts in the cold eviscerated carcass (without head, feet, and tail), and mass of dissected tissues in trimmed shoulder and ham were determined. Linear regression equations allowed estimating N requirements for maintenance as 175 mg/(kg BW0.75 · kg dry-matter intake) · d–1 and an average value for the net efficiency of utilization of the dietary protein apparently absorbed of 0.386. In pigs offered adequate protein to energy diets, EBG was predicted as a function of average BW and feeding level (p < 0.001). Multiple regression equations were constructed, which derived nutrient (g kg–1) or energy (MJ kg–1) composition of EBG as a function of empty-body weight (EBW), dietary protein to energy ratio, and level of feeding (p < 0.001). These predictive equations, not applicable to pigs of lean and conventional genotypes, can contribute to the design of optimal feeding strategies to improve the efficiency of IB pig production systems and to achieve high quality standards in end products for the market.