Nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs fed diets containing graded levels of dehydrated lucerne meal

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Plant breeders have attempted to improve the nutritonal value of lucerne (alfalfa) by selecting for higher protein and lower fibre concentrations. Although targeted at ruminants, such changes could also improve the nutritional value of lucerne for monogastrics. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of graded levels of dehydrated lucerne meal on nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass traits of swine.

Effect of enzymes, flavor and organic acids on nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs fed diets containing dehydrated lucerne meal

“…In contrast to the negative effects observed from the inclusion of lucerne meal in diets fed during the growing period, there was no effect on pig performance due to its inclusion during the finishing period. This supports our previous work in which finishing pigs utilized lucerne meal significantly better than grower pigs 9. The improved utilization of lucerne meal during the finishing period compared with the growing period can be attributed to the greater gut capacity of finishing pigs compared with growing pigs which removes the physical limitation on appetite caused by the higher fiber content of lucerne meal.…”

“…The results of the chemical analyses conducted on the major feed ingredients are within the range of those previously reported for barley, lucerne meal and soybean meal in standard industry sources such as Feedstuff s,22 the Tri‐State Swine Nutrition Guide 23 as well as the National Research Council 10. Although the protein content of lucerne is higher than that of the common cereal grains used as energy sources in diets formulated for swine, the protein in lucerne is only about 60% digestible24 and significant quantities of synthetic lysine must be added to the diet in order to provide a balanced supply of amino acids 9. The fiber content is also extremely high compared with other commonly used feed ingredients resulting in a low digestible energy content for swine 10.…”

“…In a recent study, we determined that dehydrated lucerne meal could be included at levels as high as 150 g kg −1 diet during the finishing period without detrimental effects on performance but should be limited to less than 75 g kg −1 diet during the growing period if maximum pig performance is to be obtained 9. One of the principal problems with lucerne is the fact that it has a low energy level due to its high fiber content 10.…”

“…In addition, the protein in lucerne is poorly digested3, 11, 12 while toxins such as saponins reduce the palatability of lucerne resulting in a reduced growth rate for pigs fed diets containing high levels of dehydrated lucerne meal 13, 14. It is therefore possible that the performance of pigs fed lucerne‐containing diets could be enhanced by supplementing the diet with feed additives designed to overcome some of its shortcomings 4, 9. Potential candidates would include feed flavors, enzymes or organic acids.…”

Effects of a soybean-free diet supplied to Italian heavy pigs on fattening performance, and meat and dry-cured ham quality

“…However, the existence of positive or negative associative effects between ingredients cannot be ruled out. In agreement with the findings of Thacker and Haq (2008), who concluded that the inclusion of alfalfa meal up to a maximum of 7.5% in diets for pigs (112 kg of live weight) has no effect on rearing performances or on some carcass characteristics (gross yield, lean meat content, backfat thickness), the results from the present trial indicate that the inclusion of 2% dehydrated alfalfa meal in the diet does not negatively influence either daily feed intake or growing and slaughtering parameters. With respect to faba bean, studies by Partanen et al (2003), as well as both the reviews by Thacker (1990) and Crepon et al (2010), concluded that moderate levels of faba beans (i.e.…”