In Vitro Evaluation of Three Pisum sativum L. Varieties to Partially Replace Soybean and Corn Meal in Dairy Cow Diet

TL;DR

This study shows that pea varieties can replace soybean and corn in dairy cow diets, improving digestion and reducing environmental impact.

Contribution

The study introduces three pea varieties as viable alternatives to soybean and corn in dairy cow feed.

Findings

Pea-based diets improved protein degradability and fermentation kinetics.

All experimental diets reduced ammonia production significantly.

The Peps variety increased volatile fatty acid production, enhancing energy utilization.

Abstract

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds are a valuable feed ingredient due to their high protein content and starch digestibility, making them a promising alternative to soybean meal and corn grain in dairy cow diets. This study evaluated three commercial pea varieties (Ganster, Peps, and Poseidon) by incorporating them into experimental diets GNS (Ganster), PES (Peps), and PNS (Poseidon) to partially replace soybean meal and corn meal. These diets were compared to a standard control diet (CTR) through in vitro trials using dairy rumen liquor incubated for 120 h. Results indicated that pea-based diets maintained organic matter digestibility and gas production while improving protein degradability and fermentation kinetics. Furthermore, all experimental diets reduced ammonia production, which can contribute to improved nitrogen efficiency and decreased environmental impact. The PES diet increased volatile fatty acid production, supporting better energy utilization by cows. Among the tested varieties, Peps showed the most promising results by enhancing protein metabolism and fermentation efficiency. These findings suggest that pea grains can be a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional protein and energy sources, promoting efficient rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization in dairy cows while potentially reducing reliance on imported feed ingredients.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds are valuable feed ingredients due to their high-quality protein and starch digestibility, making them a viable alternative to soybean meal and corn grain. This study evaluated the nutritional value of three commercial pea varieties (Ganster, Peps, and Poseidon) through in vitro trials. Each variety was incorporated into an experimental diet (GNS, PES, and PNS) for dairy cows, partially replacing soybean and corn meals. These diets were compared to a control diet containing only soybean and corn meals. All diets were incubated anaerobically for 120 h with dairy cow rumen liquor. Results showed that GNS and PES diets enhanced protein degradability (p < 0.05) and fermentation kinetics (p < 0.001). Additionally, all experimental diets reduced ammonia production (p < 0.001), while the PES diet increased (p < 0.001) volatile fatty acid production. Among the tested varieties, Peps demonstrated the greatest potential by improving protein metabolism and volatile fatty acid production. These findings suggest that pea grains can be a suitable alternative in dairy cow diets, supporting efficient ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization.

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