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Which amino acid is first limiting in swine rations?

  1. Threonine

  2. Methionine

  3. Lysine

  4. Arginine

The correct answer is: Lysine

Lysine is considered the first limiting amino acid in swine rations because it is essential for growth, body tissue repair, and overall health in pigs. Swine have a specific amino acid profile required for optimal growth, and lysine plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. When formulating diets for pigs, it is important to ensure that lysine levels are adequate, as a deficiency can significantly hinder growth rates, feed efficiency, and overall performance. Unlike some other amino acids, pigs cannot synthesize lysine efficiently, making it crucial to include in their diets to meet their nutritional needs. Thus, when evaluating pig rations, ensuring that the levels of lysine are satisfactory is paramount, establishing it as the first limiting amino acid.