Energy values in valine biomass determined by the regression method for pigs

This study aimed to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in valine biomass (VB; 73.7% valine and 5246 kcal gross energy/kg on an as-is basis) using the regression method. Twelve barrows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight of 16.4 kg (standard deviation = 0.9) were used to determine DE and ME in the VB product. A quadruplicated 3 × 2 incomplete Latin square design was employed for 12 animals, 3 experimental diets, and 2 periods, resulting in 8 observations per treatment. The basal diet comprised 62.1% corn, 20.0% soybean meal, and 15.0% sucrose as its sole energy sources. Two experimental diets were prepared by adding VB at 4.0% and 8.0% to the basal diet at the expense of corn, soybean meal, and sucrose. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 4-day collection period, and the marker-to-marker procedure was used for quantitative fecal collection. The regression-derived DE and ME in VB were 4862 and 3785 kcal/kg on an as-is basis, respectively. Overall, valine biomass can be used as an efficient source of valine and energy for pigs and the regression method can be used for determining energy values in valine biomass products.