In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ilaria Minussi, postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University, explains how low protein diets influence pig behavior and performance. She discusses amino acid deficiencies, tail biting risk, and how pigs adjust feed intake when nutritional needs are unmet. Dr. Minussi highlights welfare, environmental impact, and practical formulation challenges for modern swine systems. Discover actionable insight for nutrition professionals. Listen now on all major platforms!

“When low crude protein diets are also deficient in amino acids, pigs reduce feed intake and increase foraging behavior to compensate for missing nutrients.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Ilaria Minussi is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University, working within the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity. She earned her PhD at Wageningen University and Research, focusing on animal nutrition and adaptation physiology. Her work explores how amino acid supply influences pig behavior, welfare, and performance in commercial systems.

Click here to read the full research articles:

Amino acid supplementation counteracts negative effects of low protein diets on tail biting in pigs more than extra environmental enrichment

Pigs Can Detect Multiple Amino Acid Deficiencies in a Choice Feeding Setting

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (02:31) Low protein diets
• (04:21) Feeding behavior
• (06:34) Choice feeding
• (07:44) Functional needs
• (08:48) Sanitary effects
• (10:46) Final Questions

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