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How well do laying hens accept germinated vetch seeds as feed, and how much do they consume?
Project
Project code: TI-OL-08-PID1684
Contract period: 01.10.2015
- 30.06.2016
Purpose of research: Applied research
Common vetches produce protein-rich seeds, which contain not only valuable nutrients but also anti-nutritive compounds. Laying hens react especially sensitive to them and avoid consuming higher amounts. A tentative test at the Thünen-Institute of Organic Farming explores if germination before feeding makes common vetch seeds an attractive feed. Because of their positive influence on soil fertility, legumes like peas or common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) are an important component of the crop rotation in organic agriculture. In cultivation trials at the Thünen-Institute of Organic Farming, common vetch cultivated in mixed cropping with oats showed a good yield stability, see project „Peas, lupins and partners in field trials“. The protein-rich common vetch seeds can be used as feed for cattle and other ruminants, but poultry and pigs are sensitive against the anti-nutritive compounds present in the seeds. However, from trials with other grain legumes we know that germinating the grains before feeding decreases the anti-nutritive compounds. Therefore this project focuses on the question if common vetch seeds can be processed into an attractive feedstuff for laying hens by germinating them before feeding. Germinated vetch seeds are offered to laying hens in addition to their usual feed to see if they consume them. If the germinated vetch seeds are consumed, the offered quantity will be increased to see how much the hens consume. Apart from the quantities of feeds that are offered and that are not consumed, the usual parameters of laying performance are documented.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal nutrition
- Special animal species
- Organic Farming
