| Peas |
| Introduction |
| Plants are harvested when young and juicy
for human consumption, while those for animal feed are
combine harvested and are usually harder and drier and
more mature. Combined field peas are used for human
consumption, for soaking and canning or as dried peas.
Peas are usually steamed, flaked or micronised before use
in animal feed to improve the digestibility. |
| Origin |
| Temperate countries |
| Nutritional Information |
| Often regarded as similar in analysis to
field beans, but marginally lower in protein (26%). Can
be used to replace soya and other protein sources but
slightly lower in energy. Peas are also high in sugar and
starch which makes them attractive for ruminant rations.
Low in methionine, cysteine and tryptophan, but can
supply some undegradable protein if heated for long
periods. Oil present is unsaturated, with B vitamins
present in reasonable quantities. Approximately 15% of
the starch present is rumen unfermented. |
| Colour/Texture |
| Light green. Usually fed as a meal or in
flakes. |
| Palatability |
| Average, but limiting to inclusion in pig
and poultry diets. |
| Limits on Usage |
| Potential trypsin-inhibitors and/or phyto
haemagglutinins (lectins, etc.) present. Tannins are
sometimes found in the seed coat. Heating destroys most
of the anti- nutritive factors and new varieties have
reduced the levels significantly. Can have a laxative
effect. |
| Recommended Maximum Inclusion Rates % |
| Calf |
10 |
Creep |
0 |
Chick |
0 |
| Dairy |
30 |
Weaner |
5.0 |
Broiler |
0 |
| Beef |
30 |
Grower |
10 |
Breeder |
7.5 |
| Lamb |
10 |
Finisher |
17.5 |
Layer |
7.5 |
| Ewe |
25 |
Sow |
17.5 |
|
|
|
| Handling/Storage |
| Above 25% will not pellet well |