Feeding quality of faba bean for poultry

This practice note provides an overview of the components and feed value of faba bean. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), also called field bean, is rich in protein and energy (Figure 1). The high content of lysine means faba bean complements cereals in feed. Faba bean can replace or supplement soy. The feed value of faba bean for poultry is determined by the metabolisable energy and the digestibility of the amino acids in the protein. Cultivars such as Tiffany that have low levels of vicine-convicine can be included up to 20% of the ration. Cultivars that are also low in tannin (white flowering cultivars such as Bianca) can be included at rates above 20%. For using faba bean on-farm, the feed value must be determined for each batch so that the use can be targeted.