Eighty gilts (24.2±1.52kg) with high genetic potential for lean gain were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate five digestible lysine levels (9, 10, 11, 12 and 13g kg-1) during the growing phase (63 to 103 days of age). Gilts were housed in pair and fed their respective diets ad libitum. At the begging and the ending of the experimental period, gilts were weighed and scanned by ultrasound to measure loin area, as well as fat depth. The digestible lysine levels linearly increase (P<0.05) average daily gain and loin area of gilts in growing phase. However, there was no difference for average daily gain at levels above 12g kg-1 while the "Linear Response Plateau" model was that better fitted to the loin area data that stabilized in a plateau starting from the level of 12.5g kg-1. The feed:gain ratio was improved (P<0.01) quadratically until the estimated level of 11.9g kg-1 of digestible lysine. There was no effects (P>0.05) of the treatments on the fat depth and feed intake. The digestible lysine levels of 12 and 12.5g kg-1, corresponding to the intake of 23.6 e 24.6g dia-1, provide the best results of performance and loin area of growing gilts (63 to 103 days old).
carcass; performance; nutritional requirements; swine
