Growth performance and carcass traits of growing pigs consuming different alfalfa (Medicago sativa) products in organic farming systems

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to prove the effects of dried alfalfa leaves (AL) and/or alfalfa silage (AS) in growing pigs (Danish Landrace x Duroc) under an organic feeding regime on growth performance and carcass traits. Twenty pigs were fed complete feed mixtures (groups A and B) of which 10 received proportions of AL (up to 20%) (group B). Another 20 pigs received AS (up to 30%) (groups C and D) of which 10 received proportions of AL (up to 15% of the ration) (group D). Groups A and B achieved the same growth performance and carcass traits. The use of 20% AL in the complete feed seemed to be feasible. Group D showed partially significantly lower growth and carcass performances than groups A and B. The use of AL saved 27 kg of protein feed per pig in group B compared to group A.

KEYWORDS:

• Alfalfa
• leaves
• silage
• saponins
• organic farming
• pig feeding

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) on the basis of a resolution of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany on the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE; grant number 2815OE039).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) on the basis of a resolution of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany on the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE): [Grant Number 2815OE039].