Field peas (Pisum sativum) as a feed for growing and finishing pigs. 1. Nutrient levels in commercial crops

Abstract

Ninety-one samples of field peas (Pisum sativum, cv. Early Dun) were taken from commercial crops grown in South Australia. Crude protein (N x 6 25) ranged from 2 1 .3 to 26.2% (92% dry matter basis) with mean 23.8 and standard deviation 0.8%. Seed mass was a poor indicator of protein level. Changes in the amino acid profile which accompanied changes in crude protein level appeared to be of only minor nutritional significance. The mean gross energy level was 16.8 ± 0.1 MJ/kg; an indirect estimate suggested a digestible energy level for pigs of around 14 MJ/kg. Deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus for the growing pig were confirmed and it is suggested that selenium deficiency could occur on grain and pea diets in which both ingredients had been grown on soils deficient in selenium.