Utilization of peas (Pisum sativum) by early-weaned pigs

Abstract

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the utilization of peas and to determine the value of peas as a protein supplement for early-weaned pigs. Apparent and true ileal and total tract digestibility of protein and amino acids in raw peas supplemented with amylase, amylase + xylanase and amylase + xylanase + protease in early-weaned pigs fitted with a simple-T cannula at the terminal ileum were determined in experiment 1. The effect of amylase, amylase + xylanase and amylase + protease + xylanase supplementation on apparent and true ileal and faecal digestibility of protein and amino acids in extruded peas in early-weaned pigs fitted with simple-T cannula in the ileum was determined in experiment 2. The effect of amylase, amylase + xylanase, and amylase + xylanase + protease inclusion on apparent and true digestibility of protein and amino acids in micronized pea in early-weaned pigs fitted with simple-T cannula was evaluated in experiment 3. Experiment 4 was carried out based on the results of the first three experiments. Productive parameters were studied in 16-d old pigs (n = 70) fed 7 dietary treatments; soybean control, raw, extruded and micronized peas supplemented with amylase and xylanase, with 5 pens per treatment in a completely randomised design. All diets were formulated using standard value of ingredients to have similar digestible energy and ideal protein. Pigs were fed 4% of their body weight and ad libitum for the digestibility and performance studies respectively. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)