Iberian pig production in the free‑range system is limited by acorn production. In order to provide an alternative, the use of the Gevuina hazelnut has been proposed. Pigs were split up in two groups (n = 6 per group), one of those was provided with commercial feed (according to appetite) and the other was given a commercial feed and 2 kg of hazelnut/ animal and day until slaughter. The hazelnut analysis revealed they have a great proportion of fat (44 %), with a high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (93.94 %), of which the main fatty acids where palmitoleic acid (29.99 %) and oleic acid (50.60 %). The C18:1n‑9 concentration increased in the hazelnut group, as time increased (P = 0.0001), this led to a greater decrease of C16:0 concentration (P = 0.001) in the hazelnut group than in the other group. Although, the final level of C18:1n‑9 in the hazelnut group did not exceed that reached by the mixed diet. Changes in C16:1/C16:0 and C18:1/C18:0 relations were observed, but of different magnitude, possibly due to metabolic effects because of the different feeding level of the two dietary groups. New studies are required to deeply examine the effects of this product may have in Iberian pig feeding and quality of their products.

Serrano MP, Ruiz‑de Dulanto N, Rey AI (2020). Nuevas alternativas en la alimentación del cerdo Ibérico: uso de la avellana Gevuína. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 116(4): 338‑352. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2020.009