Pea protein as a substitute of soya bean protein in diets for young pigs: Effects on productivity and digestive traits

Two trials were conducted to study pea protein concentrate (PPC) as a substitute of soya bean meal (SBM), soya protein concentrate (SPC) or fullfat soya bean (FFSB) in the diet on equivalent protein basis, on productive performance and digestive traits of piglets. The design was completely randomised with 4 treatments and 5 (six piglets; trial 1) or 6 (one piglet; trial 2) pens per treatment. In trial I growth traits from 26 to 48 days of age and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dietary components at 36 and 48 days of age were assessed. In trial 2 the coefficient of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) of dietary components, the pH of the gastro intestinal tract (GIT) and the weight of digestive organs and spleen were measured at 48 days of age. From 26 to 36 days of age pigs fed SBM and SPC grew faster and were more efficient than pigs fed PPC (P < 0.01) with pigs fed FFSB being intermediate. From 37 to 48 days of age pigs fed SPC or SBM ate more feed than pigs fed FFSB (P < 0.05) with pigs fed PPC being intermediate. For the entire experiment (26 to 48 days of age) pigs fed SPC and SBM tended to have higher average daily gain and feed intake than pigs fed PPC or FFSB (P < 0.10). Pigs fed SBM and SPC tended to have higher CTTAD of crude protein (P < 0.10) and had higher CIAD of organic matter and gross energy (P < 0.01) than pigs fed PPC and FFSB. The weight of the GIT was greater for pigs fed FFSB and PPC than for pigs fed SBM (P < 0.05) with pigs fed SPC being intermediate. In summary, the inclusion of pea protein concentrate and fullfat soya bean in the diet reduces pig performance from 26 to 36 days of age. in addition, these two protein sources impair ileal digestibility of organic matter and gross energy at 48 days of age. On the other hand, growth performance was similar for pigs fed the soya bean meal and soya protein concentrate diets. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.