Chickpea Can Be a Valuable Local Produced Protein Feed for Organically Reared, Native Bulls

Abstract

We assessed the effects of inclusion of chickpea from 24 to 21%, as feed basis, in diets for organically reared bulls. Sixteen young bulls (270 ± 6.4 days of age; 246 ± 0.13 kg in weight) belonging to a native Italian breed (Maremmana) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments. The control diets were based on mixed grass hay, maize meal, and barley meal. In the experimental diets, barley was equally substituted by locally produced chickpea. Animals were weighed every 2 weeks until the prefixed slaughtering weight (630 kg). Plasma metabolites were measured at the 1st, 7th, and 14th month of the experiment. Chemical composition, colour, shear force, and water holding capacity of meat were assessed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum 7 days after slaughter. The chickpea-fed animals showed a significantly greater average daily gain (1064 vs. 1168 kg/day), a shorter growing phase (364 vs. 335 days), and a better carcass conformation. Plasma metabolites and meat quality were not influenced by the treatments. The better growth performance and carcass quality of the chickpea fed bulls resulted in a higher economic profit for the chickpea-based diets. Results suggest that chickpea may allow sustainable performance improvement of native breeds within their traditional farming systems.

Characterization of Three Different Mediterranean Beef Fattening Systems: Performance, Behavior, and Carcass and Meat Quality

“…Beef fattening systems differ widely among European Union countries, with a large diversity in the type (genetics and gender) of animals fattened, in the nutrition programs, in the housing conditions, and in the days on feed, resulting in different carcass traits and meat qualities [ 1 , 2 ]. These beef fattening systems can range from extensive systems in Ireland to very intensive systems in Italy [ 3 , 4 ]. In Spain, the beef fattening system is traditionally an intensive system where calves are housed during the fattening period, commonly in partially open barns with straw bedding [ 5 , 6 ].…”

In vitro Regeneration of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivated in Bangladesh

“…Proteins in chickpea are high in an essential amino acid called "Lysine" which is normally not found in other food grains (Milán-Carrillo et al 2007). Moreover, by supplying protein to the diet, chickpea add valuable nitrogen and organic substances to the soil thus improving fodders to milk and draft animals (Serrapica et al 2021). Lacking sufficient protein in the daily diets of people in poor countries is the main reason for malnutrition than hunger (Müller and Krawinkel 2005).…”