Risk mitigation for pulse growers: expanding markets by feeding frost-damaged faba beans to pigs

Why is this research important for Alberta ag? Human food exports and value-added processing of faba beans are indisputable priorities but frost damage at harvest time generally occurs. Local feed markets are thus important to produce food animal protein with discounted frost-damaged, feed quality beans. Faba bean cultivars differ in days to maturity and susceptibility to frost. Zero tannin cultivars mature earlier, but tannin cultivars offer superior frost tolerance. Unexpectedly, recent research with broiler chickens showed that frost damaged faba bean had greater energy and amino acid digestibility. Feeding frost damaged faba beans did not reduce broiler growth performance, carcass traits, and yield of saleable cuts. This research looks to test and verify these findings on pigs, which are far more sensitive to taste and preference than chickens. What benefits can producers expect from this research? This research aims to benefit both crop and livestock industries. This research