Effect of feeding alfalfa hay on growing pig performance

International audience; Improving protein autonomy is a major challenge in organic pig production. According to organic specifications, pigs should have access to fodder (roughage, fresh, dried) or silage. The objective of this study was to evaluate consequences of feeding alfalfa hay on growth and carcass performances. A total of 120 pigs were used in two consecutive trials of 60 pigs. Pigs were group-housed (six pigs/pen). Five treatments were compared. The control group (T) and the R0 LE group were fed ad libitum with a commercial grower feed. The R10 LE, R15 LE and R22 LE groups were restrictively fed at 10%, 15% and 22% of ad libitum, respectively, compared to the T and R0 LE groups. Alfalfa hay was provided ad libitum to the R0 LE, R10 LE, R15 LE and R22 LE groups. Pig growth in the T and R10 LE groups did not differ significantly (949 and 937 g/d, respectively), but the average daily gain of those in the R15 LE and R22 LE groups was significantly lower (855 and 804 g/d, respectively, P < 0.01). Pigs in the R0 LE group had significantly higher growth than those in the T group (1014 vs. 949 g/d; P < 0.01). The lean meat content of pigs in the R15 LE and R22 LE groups was improved compared to those in the T group (61.3% vs. 60.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). This observation is useful for the production of leaner carcasses without increasing competition among pigs when they are rationed. The use of alfalfa hay as feedstuff for pigs seems possible, in compensation for a small restriction (10%) in concentrated feed.