In order to clarify the mechanism of efficient utilization of legume silage by growing-fattening pigs, a series of experiments were conducted in the present study on the effects of varying ratios of legume silage in the whole feed upon the growth, morphology and, quality of carcass, limits of possible utilization, utility by classes of pigs, variations in consumption of high-calory feeds, ratio and classes of animal oils and/or fats added, classes of concentrate feeds, and optimum amounts of supply of the silage.
1. The maximum permissible limit of replacement of the formula feed by legume silage in growing-fattening pigs was 40% on air-dry matter basis taking the growth and weight gain into consideration.
2. There was no variation in utility of legume silage with the classes of swine.
3. Oils and fats of animal origin were most adequate for replenishing the calory which will become insufficient by the increased supply of the legume silage.
4. The acceptable ratio of addition of oils and fats of animal origin for replenishing the calory becoming insufficient by the increased supply of legume silage was in the range of 10-15% of the amount of the formula feed.
5. The fancy tallow was found to to effective among others as the oils and fats of animal origin to be added to the feed to replenish the calory becoming insufficient by the increased supply of legume silage.
6. Of the concentrate feeds to be used for improving meat quality which is affected by the combined feeding of legume silage with oils and fats of animal origin, the formula feed mainly containing barley (85.2%) was found to be the most effective for improving meat quality.
7. It was found to be recommendable for better growth and weight gain with varying ratios of legume silage by the steps of animal growth to keep its addition lower up until 40kg of body weight and then to raise the rate of addition of the legume silage during the weights of 50-70kg.
8. It was found to be important in any experiments to find the way for the swine to take as much legume silage as possible. It was found to be recommendable as a means for raising the rate of intake to supply the swine with the mixture of concentrate feed and the legume silage.
9. At the initial stage of the experiments, hay was prepared in advance for preparing the silage, but it was found out later that there would be no specific need to dry the legume in advance or to add any additive only if water is removed satisfactorily and application of a pressing weight and tight sealing are made carefully so sa to obtain silage of good quality.
View full abstract