Swine

Nutrient Analysis of Iowa Grown Field Peas for Swine Feed

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Abstract

Peas are a new crop in Iowa and have potential as an ingredient for supplementing pig diets. However, it is essential to know the nutrient levels before incorporating peas in swine diets. Pea seeds can be ground and incorporated directly in the pig’s diet on the farm without further processing.

Field peas (winter, spring, and summer types) grown in southeast Iowa during 2005 and 2006, were sampled and analyzed for nutrient content. The Iowa peas were about 86% dry matter or 14% moisture, which is a level that will store well. Crude fat averaged about 2%, although the 2005 spring varieties were low, less than 1%. Crude fiber was 5 to 6% and ash was about 3%. Crude protein averaged 20% compared with 22.8% reported in the NRC tables. Values reported are as fed basis. Field peas are a good source of lysine (about 1.54%), which is commonly the first limiting amino acid in pig diets. According to the NRC, lysine in peas is highly digestible (84%). This enhances the economic value of peas. The peas were low in methionine and tryptophan, 0.20%. Threonine in winter, summer, and spring peas averaged about 0.74% (Table 1). The amino acid levels in the Iowa-grown peas were similar to NRC table values.

Keywords: ASL R2226

How to Cite:

Njoka, J., Honeyman, M. S. & Miller, T., (2007) “Nutrient Analysis of Iowa Grown Field Peas for Swine Feed”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 4(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-806