Effects of a soybean-freediet supplied to Italian heavypigs on fatteningperformance, and meatand dry-cured ham quality

摘要

The aim of this study was to investigate theeffects of a diet containing non-conventional(i.e. alternative to soybean meal) vegetableprotein sources on fattening performance, andmeat and dry-cured ham quality of heavy pigs.Fifty-six (Landrace x Large White) castratedmales with an initial average body weight of 50kg were allocated to two experimental groups:a control group in which pigs received a traditionalsoybean meal-based diet, and a treatmentgroup in which soybean meal wasreplaced by vegetable protein sources (i.e. sunflowermeal, potato protein, corn gluten feed,faba beans and dehydrated alfalfa meal), mainlylocally grown and not genetically modified.Pigs were slaughtered at approximately 160 kgbody weight. Dietary treatment had no significanteffect on fattening performance, or meat,fat or dry-cured ham properties. Results suggestthat it is possible to feed heavy pigs a soybean-free diet without impairing fattening performanceor the quality of meat and ItalianPDO (Protected Designation of Origin) hams.