Labeling with 15N as compared with homoarginine suggests a lower prececal digestibility of casein in pigs.

Calculations of prececal protein digestibility based on the stable isotope 15N and the chemical label homoarginine were compared, using casein doubly-labeled with both markers. After food was withheld overnight 24 miniature pigs were given a meal containing 15 g/100 g casein, including 4 g/100 g doubly-labeled protein, and chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. The intestine of eight animals each was removed 3, 6 or 12 h later, divided into 3 sections of equal length, and chyme was collected. Kjeldahl-N, 15N and homoarginine were determined in diet and chyme. Digestibility of casein in the distal third of the small intestine was 93.5 +/- 0.5% and 97.6 +/- 0.3% (P < 0.05) according to 15N and homoarginine label, respectively. Potential causes for this systematic difference were assessed. The data suggest that incorporation of 15N into endogenous proteins and re-entry into the intestinal lumen via secreta and desquamations is the major cause for the 4.2 +/- 0.4% lower digestibility based on the 15N as compared with the homoarginine labeling technique. A preferential occurrence of homoarginine in more easily digestible sections of the protein, faster release during the digestive process and absorption of homoarginine, or incorporation of 15N into proteins of intestinal bacteria are less likely to cause this difference.