Han et al., 2003. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 16 (7): 1020-1024

Five barrows (average initial body weight 58.6 kg) were used to determine the apparent ileal digestibilities of amino acids, DM, N and energy in various soyabean meals, rapeseed meals and coconut meals in finishing pigs. Dietary treatments included the following: (1) KSBM (Korean soyabean meal); (2) CSBM (Chinese soyabean meal); (3) ASBM (Argentine soyabean meal); (4) RSM (Rapeseed meal); and (5) CNM (Coconut meal). The diets were corn starch-based and formulated so that each protein source provided the same amount of total ME (3490 kcal/kg), CP (15.70%), lysine (1.00%), Ca (0.80%) and P (0.60%). Protein content of the KSBM was higher than the CSBM and ASBM, with all values similar to those expected, and protein content of the CNM was lower than that of the SBM preparation and RSM. Apparent ileal digestibilities of histidine, lysine, threonine, alanine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid and serine were greater for the KSBM, CSBM, ASBM and RSM than for the CNM (P<0.05). Also, the apparent ileal digestibilities of methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine and tyrosine were greater for the KSBM than for the CSBM, ASBM, RSM and CNM (P<0.05). Overall, the apparent ileal digestibilities of total essential amino acids were greater for the KSBM than for the CSBM, ASBM, RSM and CNM (P<0.05), and the apparent ileal digestibilities of total non essential amino acids were greater for the KSBM, CSBM, ASBM and RSM than for the CNM (P<0.05). No difference (P>0.05) in apparent digestibility of DM at the small intestine was observed among the treatments. However, the apparent digestibility of DM at the total tract was greater for the KSBM than for the CSBM, ASBM, RSM and CNM (P<0.05). Also, apparent digestibilities of N and digestible energy at the small intestine and total tract were greater for the KSBM than for the RSM and CNM (P<0.05). In conclusion, nutrient digestibility values of SBM preparations and RSM were relatively high compared to CNM.