The effectiveness of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) seeds in pig feed

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of raw grass pea seeds in pig feed, and the usefulness of supplementing mixtures that contain raw grass pea seeds with a probiotic and an enzymatic preparation. The study included 96 fattening pigs (Polish Landrace × Polish Large White) × Pietrain that were divided into 4 feeding groups. Two experimental nutritional agents were used. The first was the source of protein in the diet: soybean meal and raw grass pea seeds (amounting to 50% of feed protein). The other experimental agent was mixtures containing raw grass pea seeds supplemented with 1.0% of a probiotic (Toyocerin®) or an enzymatic preparation (Porzyme 9300). Use of raw grass pea seeds accounting for 50% of feed protein did not lower production or slaughter parameters. Mixtures containing raw grass pea seeds supplemented with the enzymatic preparation reduced feed intake, and lowered total protein and metabolic energy consumption per kg of weight. Nonetheless, in consideration of the rearing results, supplementing mixtures of raw grass pea seeds with probiotic seems to be pointless.