Objective  To determine the effects of dietary supplementation with lysine (Lys) and thiazolidinedione(TZD) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and meat quality in finishing pigs.

Method  A total of 160 healthy Duroc × Landrace × Large White pigs with similar weight (92.25±0.91) kg were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates in each group and eight pigs per replicate (50% males and 50% females). Control group was fed with basic diet (containing 0.85% Lys), experimental group Ⅰ was fed with basic diet and 15 mg·kg^–1 TZD, experimental group Ⅱ was fed with basic diet, extra 0.20% Lys and 15 mg·kg^–1 TZD, experimental group Ⅲ was fed with basic diet, extra 0.40% Lys and 15 mg·kg^–1 TZD. After feeding experiment, the slaughter performance and meat quality were evaluated by selecting one hog from each replicate of the control group and experimental group Ⅲ.

Result  The average daily gain (ADG) enhanced 9.45% in experimental group Ⅲ on day 28 compared with control group (P=0.055). The high-density lipoprotein content in experimental group Ⅲ was 22.81% higher than that in control group (P<0.05) on day 14. The lean percentage anda^* value of longissimus dorsi muscle in experimental group Ⅲ were 7.04% and 4.11% higher compared to control group (P<0.05) on day 28, respectively.

Conclusion  Finishing pigs fed with basic diet supplemented with 0.40% Lys (totally 1.25% Lys) and 15 mg·kg^–1 TZD could increase ADG and lean percentage, and improve meat colour.