According to REGULATION (EC) No. 889/2008 or 834/2007, the proportion of conventional feed components for pigs may only be a maximum of 5% from 2010; from 2012, 100% organic feeding will also be implemented for monogastric pigs. A major challenge in this context is the protein supply of young animals, in which various legumes will continue to play a key role in the future. The use of some legumes is limited by various antinutritive ingredients. Although these ingredients are known for flat peas (Lathyrus sativus), there are hardly any studies on (side) effects in pigs. Therefore, in practice it is currently not possible to give serious recommendations for use. In this project, organic rearing feed containing flat pea (Lathyrus sativus) in three different dosages is examined with regard to the achievable biological performance and any side effects that may occur in rearing piglets.

The aim is to be able to give farmers recommendations on the safe use of sweet peas for rearing piglets. This project is viewed positively by farmers because the flat pea is not a demanding plant, which is why it can be cultivated in many regions and also has a more reliable yield than peas.