Partial Replacement of Soybean with Low-Tannin Faba Bean Varieties (Albus or Amulet): Effects on Growth Traits, Slaughtering Parameters and Meat Quality of Puławska Pigs

Abstract

The study was carried out involving 48 fattening pigs split into 3 groups of equal size: one control (I) and two experimental (II and III). The experimental factor was low-tannin faba bean seeds of the Albus variety (group II) or Amulet variety (group III) introduced to experimental feed mixtures as a partial replacement for soybean meal - the only protein-rich material in the control diet. It was noticed that the partial replacement of soybean meal with faba bean meal had no statistically significant effect on: the daily gains of pigs, feed conversion, meatiness and fattening grades and meat acidity (pH1 and pH24), water holding capacity and muscle colour parameters (L∗a∗b∗). However, the drip loss from longissimus muscles of pigs fed with diets containing low-tannin faba bean was lower and the difference between the group receiving Albus faba bean and the control group was confirmed to be statistically significant (P≤0.05). In the analysed longissimus lumborum muscle, no differences were recorded between the groups in terms of the content of protein, fat, minerals, or saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acids. However, it was determined that the muscles of the animals from groups II and III contained more essential unsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P≤0.05 - between groups I and III ). Albus faba bean seeds introduced to the feed mixture had a beneficial effect on the sensory characteristics of the evaluated muscle since, compared to the longissimus lumborum muscle from the control group, it was characterised by significantly (P≤0.05) improved juiciness, tenderness and palatability.