Lupinus angustifolius cv. Unicrop as a protein- and energy-source for weaner pigs

One hundred and forty-four piglets were fed on wheat-based diets formulated with either lupin-seed meal, soya-bean meal or a combination of both, as protein supplements. Dietary lysine and methionine contents were equalized by additions of their free form. Piglets were fed ad libitum in weaner cages.The three diets produced similar growth rates and feed intakes during the growth phases 6–12, 12–20 and 6–20 kg. Dressing percentage of piglets at 20 kg live weight was unaffected by the level of lupin-seed meal in the diets. Carcass backfat, assessed ultrasonically at the P₁ position, was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in piglets fed on the lupin-seed meal diets.The results indicate that piglets can tolerate the high crude-fibre content associated with the use of up to 43% lupin-seed meal in wheat-based diets and there appeared to be no toxic factors in the meal.