Grain legumes have long been considered valuable crops in agriculture. In addition to providing a break in cereal-based crop rotations, they make an important contribution to the regenerative N supply in arable farming through their ability to fix nitrogen with the help of nodule bacteria. Pea, faba bean, sweet lupin and also soybean from domestic cultivation have recently attracted increasing interest. In addition, domestic grain legumes are receiving increasing attention regarding the sustainability of agricultural production and the broadening of the feed spectrum. The effect of this and of measures in the Common Agricultural Policy are reflected in both in the expansion of cultivated areas and the breeding of new varieties.

This UFOP publication provides an overview of the composition, feed value and possible uses of grain legumes in poultry feed. In particular, the results of feeding trials over the last ten years have been taken into account. For faba beans, both white-flowered and variegated varieties are considered in the brochure. For peas, the focus is on white-flowered varieties, as these dominate the market and are particularly suitable for poultry feed in terms of nutritional physiology. The considerations for lupins refer to the sweet blue and white lupins. The sweet yellow lupins currently play no role in cultivation. However, due to their nutrient composition, they could become attractive again for poultry feed in the future. Full-fat soybeans and soybean cake made from them are the most important feedstuffs from domestic (European) soybean cultivation.

2020. Faba bean, grain pea, sweet lupin and soybean in poultry feeds. Legume Hub. https://www.legumehub.eu