The effect of partial replacement of protein concentrate in the diet with legume seeds on the fattening and slaughter value of pigs

Pig production profitability is dependent on a number of factors that determine the extent of expenses incurred, taking into account the prices of slaughter animals, the production system and the prices of cereals included in compound feed. However, the most crucial factor is the cost of pig feeding. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of partial replacement of protein concentrate with legume seeds in complete feeds on pig growth rate and fattening efficiency under rearing conditions of a conventional farm. The polish breed crossbred fatteners were divided into two groups with different composition of the fed feed mixture. The analysis covered fattening characteristics and slaughter characteristics. In addition, the value of sales and cost of pig feeding were analysing. In this study, the fatteners fed a feed mixture with legume seeds had higher warm carcass weights, thinner backfat, and higher carcass meat content compared to pigs from control group, which ultimately translated into higher profit on fattener production. A minimum proportion of legume seeds in a feed mixture for pigs has been shown to have a significant impact on growth rate and slaughter value.