Inclusion of 8% alfalfa silage advances feeding time and improves late-finishing feed efficiency in pigs.

ABSTRACT: Feed is the largest cost in pig production, driving interest in alternative ingredients that maintain performance at lower expense. Alfalfa, a nutrient-rich and widely available forage legume, shows promise as a partial feed substitute. However, it remains unclear how partial replacement with alfalfa affects growth dynamics, feed efficiency, and feeding behavior across fattening stages in pigs. This study investigated the effects of substitution with 8% alfalfa or alfalfa silage on growth performance and feeding behavior in growing-finishing pigs over a 60-day fattening period (60-130 kg). A total of 24 pigs were randomly assigned to three diet treatments: commercial feed, 8% alfalfa substitution, or 8% alfalfa silage substitution. Weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12857966 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature