Field Peas (Pisum sativum) as Protein Source in Diets of Growing-Finishing Pigs

Abstract

Brand, T.S., Brandt, D.A., van der Merwe, J.P. and Cruywagen, C.W. 2000. Field peas (Pisum sativum) as protein source in diets of growing-finishing pigs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 159–164.

The field pea (Pisum sativum) cultivar Glenroy (187g/kg CP) was evaluated as an alternative protein source in diets of grower-finisher pigs. Four diets were formulated on iso-nutrient basis (≈14.4 MJ/kg DE, 160 g/kg CP, 9.3 g/kg lysine, 5.3g/kg methionine and cystine, 2.1g/kg tryptophan) so that soybean oilcake meal and maize meal were substituted by increasing levels of fieldpeas (16%, 32%, 48% and 64%). Forty castrated pigs (78 d, 21.7±2.6 kg) were individually housed and 10 pigs were fed on each diet ad libitum for 84 days. DM intake, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency, all depressed on the highest peas level in the diet. The DE content and N-retention of the 64% peas diet were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of the 16% and 32% pea diets. Though dressing percentage was not affected by dietary treatment, P₂ back fat thickness was significantly decreased in the 64%peas inclusion group resulting in leaner carcasses. This was mainly due to lower slaughter weights. It was concluded that up to 32% of the field pea cultivar Glenroy in the diets of growing pigs can be recommended.

Keywords:

• Field peas
• pigs
• plant protein source