Nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass traits of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing graded levels of dehydrated lucerne meal

BACKGROUND: Plant breeders have attempted to improve the nutritonal value of lucerne (alfalfa) by selecting for higher protein and lower fibre concentrations. Although targeted at ruminants, such changes could also improve the nutritional value of lucerne for monogastrics. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of graded levels of dehydrated lucerne meal on nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass traits of swine. RESULTS: The digestibility of dry matter, protein and energy declined linearly (P < 0.05) as the level of lucerne meal in the diet increased. Including lucerne meal at levels greater than 75 g kg(-1) was detrimental to the growth rate of pigs during the growing period. During the finishing period, inclusion of lucerne meal at 75 and 150g kg(-1) resulted in improvements in weight gain and feed intake. Carcass traits were generally unaffected by lucerne inclusion. CONCLUSION: Lucerne meal may have greater potential for inclusion in diets fed to growing-finishing pigs than previously realized. To maximize pig performance, lucerne meal should be limited to less than 75 g kg(-1) diet during the growing period, while it is possible to go as high as 150 g kg(-1) diet during the finishing period without detrimental effects on performance. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.