Feeding value of woody forage in pig production and treatment technology of anti-nutritional factors

Woody forage generally refers to the leaves, buds, and seeds of woody plants for feeding and processed wood, sawdust, shavings and other by-products. As this constitutes a novel protein raw material to be exploited, this article summarizes the nutritional value and anti-nutritional factors of woody plants including Moringa oleifera, Morus alba, Broussonetia papyrifera. Furthermore, progress in the application of pig production and current anti-nutritional factors are discussed. Woody forage has a high protein content and is rich in minerals and vitamins. Anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, phytic acid, and saponin are higher, while the levels of other compounds including trypsin inhibitor and cyanide are lower. Concerning the use of woody forage as feed in pig production, the main ways to reduce anti-nutritional factors are physical, chemical, and biological fermentation methods. The article aims to provide reference data for the rational development and utilization of woody forage for pig production.