The Nutritive Value of Lucerne Leaf Meal for Pigs Based on Digestibility and Nitrogen Utilization

Abstract

Digestibility, energy metabolism and nitrogen utilization of a barley-based diet with increasing inclusion of lucerne leaf meal (LLM; 0, 5, 10 and 20%) were studied in a change-over experiment with growing pigs. In addition, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of the diets were evaluated with rats. The apparent digestibility of fibre increased with LLM inclusion, whereas the digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, fat and energy all decreased significantly. There was a significant reduction in the dietary content of digestible and metabolizable energy with increasing inclusion of LLM in the diet. Nitrogen retention and utilization were significantly increased with an increasing inclusion of LLM.     

Influence of β ‐glucanase on feeding value of barley for poultry and moisture content of excreta

1. The cause of the sticky droppings and poor performance that can occur when barley is fed to poultry was investigated.

2. The problems could be overcome by water‐treatment of the barley or by addition of β‐glucanase.

3. The problems appear to be caused by a viscous factor, which is hydrolysed by β‐glucanase. Water‐treatment allows hydrolysis by enzymes in the barley.

4. Heat‐treatment of barley denatures hydrolytic enzymes and prevents reduction in viscosity.