Apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids of several field bean and pea varieties in growing pigs

Abstract

The apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids of field beans (cv. Nadwiślański, Kodam, Martin and Optimal) and of peas (cv. Piast, Rola, Idol and Wiato) was determined by the indicator method using Cr2O3. The experiment was conducted in a double Latin square design (5 x 5 and 4 x 4) on nine barrows with an initial body weight of about 25 kg equipped with simple T-cannuale inserted into the terminal ileum. The only source of protein in the experimental diets was either field beans or peas, whereas in the control diet soyabean oilmeal. The digestibility of protein and of most amino acids was significantly lower in field beans and peas (P<0.05) than in soyabean oilmeal. No significant differences were found (P>0.05) in the digestibility of protein or amino acids among the tested varieties of field beans. Significant differences did, however, appear in the digestibility of protein and amino acids between white- and coloured-flowered pea varieties (P<0.05). Standardized protein and amino acid digestibility of the studied varieties of field bean and peas was calculated. The coefficients of standardized digestibility were somewhat higher than those of apparent ileal digestibility.