![]() The trial provides a basis for further work on comfrey as a regionally grown protein source and effective replacement for rock mineral supplements. Symphytum officinale (Common Comfrey) is a coarse, spreading perennial forming a clump of long, elliptic, dark green leaves, 10 in. Results indicate that comfrey leaves could serve as a feed component in integrated agricultural systems to establish regional nutrient cycles. Digestive tract phosphorus levels were reduced in piglets receiving comfrey supplementation, which may ultimately affect phosphorus levels in manure. This may be due to described bio-positive components of the comfrey plant, as data suggest that the use of comfrey leaves may promote intestinal health. The microbiome profile in feces and digesta revealed higher diversity in comfrey-supplemented piglets compared to controls, with pronounced effects on the abundances of Treponema and Prevotella. Nevertheless, comfrey-supplemented piglets exhibited adequate bone mineralization and intestinal integrity. Racemes of -inch hanging, funnel-shaped, pink to purplish flowers on slender stalks, arising from leaf axils and the end of branching stems in the upper part. Tubular, bluebell-like, white to pink to purple. Body weight was reduced in comfrey-supplemented piglets compared to controls, which might be attributed to reduced palatability in the experimental setting. Symphytum officinale is primarily grown today as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and flowers. After an initial adaptation period post-weaning, German Landrace piglets were subjected to either a standard control diet or a diet supplemented with 15% dried comfrey leaves for 4 weeks. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a modern pig breed accepts a continuous feed supplement of dried comfrey leaves. Due to its profile of macro- and micronutrients the use of comfrey could have the potential to re-establish local resource cycles and help remediate over-fertilized soils. However, in terms of increased efficiency in animal husbandry, comfrey has been displaced by mainly soybean and cereals. Comfrey leaves show similar values in dry matter as soybean or blue lupine in crude protein content, but much higher levels of calcium and phosphorus. In smallholder agriculture, the fast-growing and perennial accumulator plant comfrey ( Symphytum spp.) was used to supply pigs with protein and minerals.
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