Summary
This meta-analysis of 21 studies systematically evaluated the effects of low-protein diets (< 18% crude protein) and their nutritional interventions on growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets. The analysis found that low-protein diets significantly reduced body weight gain and feed efficiency whilst impairing intestinal morphology, but that supplementation with amino acids or plant extracts could substantially mitigate these adverse effects. The findings suggest that whilst dietary protein reduction may be attempted in piglet production, appropriate nutritional compensation is essential to maintain performance and intestinal health.
Regional applicability
These findings are applicable to UK intensive pig production systems, where reducing dietary protein remains an economically and environmentally motivated strategy. UK producers and nutritionists would benefit from the evidence-based guidance on which additives (particularly amino acids and plant extracts) can effectively counteract the negative effects of low-protein diets on weaned piglet performance.
Key measures
Final body weight, average daily gain, gain-to-feed ratio, average daily feed intake, villus height, crypt depth in jejunum and ileum, heterogeneity assessment (I² statistic), publication bias assessment
Outcomes reported
The meta-analysis assessed the effects of low-protein diets (crude protein < 18%) and various nutritional additives on growth performance (final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio) and intestinal health (villus height and crypt depth) in weaned piglets. Growth and intestinal morphology outcomes were compared between low-protein diets alone and low-protein diets supplemented with various additives.
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