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Considering the frequent large price fluctuations for soybean meal (SBM), the overall economic pressure on pork production, and the high reliance on imported protein-rich feedstuffs in Europe, the use of alternatives, such as rapeseed meal (RSM) and faba beans (FB) as locally produced high-protein ingredients has increased throughout these last years. Moreover, the possibility of replacing SBM with protein sources from European agricultural systems can contribute to a more sustainable pork production. Although some studies have shown no adverse effects of replacing SBM with alternative protein sources on growth performance of growing-finishing pigs, limited information exists on the metabolic adaptation of pigs and metabolite changes in pork meat resulting from replacing SBM with RSM and FB. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of replacing SBM (142.6 g/kg) with RSM/FB (120 g/kg of RSM and 161.12 g/kg of FB) on growth performance, carcass quality, metabolite status and meat quality in Norwegian crossbred growing-finishing pigs. In addition, sensory attributes were evaluated to understand the effect of diet on flavor and texture of pork meat. For that purpose, 40 Norwegian crossbred ([Landrace x Yorkshire] x Duroc) growing-finishing pigs (108.7 ± 4.2 kg final BW) were randomized, split in groups of 4 pigs per pen, and allocated to one of the two dietary treatments, fed with either SBM or RSM/FB as protein sources. The initial average body weight (BW) was 27.7 ± 2.9 kg and final average BW was 108.7 ± 4.2 kg.
As a result, RSM/FB increased the feed conversion ratio in the finishing period, reduced the lightness and yellowness of meat and changed the amounts of individual fatty acids, but not of total SFA, MUFA and PUFA. Importantly, RSM/FB diet also reduced the glucose level in meat. A lower pyroglutamic acid in RSM/FB-fed pigs indicated lower oxidative stress in pre-rigor muscle cell. Concerning meat quality, RSM/FB meat showed an increased abundance of free amino acids and sweet tasting metabolites, while reducing warmed-over flavors.
In conclusion, RSM/FB in pig diets supported growth performance and carcass quality comparable to SBM and showed a positive effect on meat quality.
Grabež V, Egelandsdal B, Kjos NP, Håkenåsen IM, Mydland LT, Vik JO, Hallenstvedt E, Devle H, Øverland M. Replacing soybean meal with rapeseed meal and faba beans in a growing-finishing pig diet: Effect on growth performance, meat quality and metabolite changes. Meat Science. 2020;108134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108134