Modelling Nutritional Requirements of Growing Pigs from Local Breeds Using InraPorc

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Unlike with conventional pig breeds, knowledge on growth and performance, and even more so on nutritional requirements, is very limited for local breeds. Using a modelling approach based on a growth model and data from literature or experiments from H2020 European Union project TREASURE, we determined the growth characteristics and nutritional requirements of nine local breeds (Alentejana, Basque, Bísara, Apulo Calabrese, Cinta Senese, Iberian, Krškopolje pig, Mangalitsa, and Moravka). Our results confirmed the lower growth potential of local pig breeds compared to conventional pig breeds. Moreover, a larger proportion of ingested and retained energy is dedicated to lipid deposition in local pig breeds, explaining the higher fat composition of the carcasses of these breeds. Our study provided initial insights into the nutritional requirements (such as amino-acids) of local pig breeds, providing a first step towards defining feeding strategies better adapted to the characteristics of these breeds. ABSTRACT: Models such as InraPorc enable the growth of pigs to be simulated and their nutrient requirements to be determined. However, so far, these models have not been applied to local breeds. We used InraPorc to determine the nutrient requirements of growing pigs from local breeds (H2020 European Union project TREASURE). Data on feed composition, allowance and intake, and body weight (BW) were obtained from literature reports or experiments conducted within the project. Data were used in InraPorc to calibrate 16 growth and intake profiles from nine breeds (Alentejana, Basque, Bísara, Apulo Calabrese, Cinta Senese, Iberian, Krškopolje pig, Mangalitsa, and Moravka), with one to three profiles per breed depending on the experimental conditions or data source. On the 40–100 kg BW range, mean protein deposition (PDm) was low for all breeds (below 116 g/d vs. over 130 g/d in conventional breeds). The age of pigs at 40 kg BW (110 to 206 days) denoted different types of feeding management in addition to genetic differences. The PDm and the lysine requirements were the highest in breeds with the highest average daily gain. In all breeds, a small proportion of total body energy retention was dedicated to protein, with the greatest proportion of energy retention in the form of lipids. Despite some methodological limitations, this study provides initial insights into the nutrient requirements of some local breeds.