Feeding quality of pea for poultry

This note gives an overview of the components and feed value of field pea. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is rich in protein and energy. Pea complements cereal in the feed ration because of the high content of lysine. The feed value of pea for poultry is determined by the metabolisable energy for poultry and the digestibility of the amino acids. Depending on the animal type and rearing phase, white-flowering, light-coloured pea can be used for poultry up to 30% of the feed compound mixture. The feeding value must be determined for each batch of pea so that the use can be targeted. Field pea can be sold to compound feed producers. But on-farm use gives a better return than can be achieved when sold to the market. Home-grown grain legumes are an important component of GMO-free feed rations.