Effects of inclusion with blue lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) in broiler diets and enzyme supplementation on production performance, digestibility and dietary AME content

Feeding Value of Lupins, Field Peas, Faba Beans and Chickpeas for Poultry: An Overview

Grain legumes are fair sources of protein, amino acids and energy, and can be used as a replacement for soybean meal in poultry feed formulations as the soybean meal becomes short in supply and costly. However, a concern associated with the use of grain legumes in poultry feeding is the presence of antinutritional factors. The effective processing and utilisation of these grain legumes in poultry feeding are well documented. The current review focuses on four selected grain legumes (lupins [Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius], field peas [Phaseolus vulgaris], faba beans [Vicia faba] and chickpeas [Cicer arietinum]) and their nutrient content, the presence of antinutritional factors, processing methods and feeding value, including updated data based on recent research findings.

Effect of Lupin Supplementation on the Growth, Carcass, and Meat Characteristics of Late-Fattening Hanwoo Steers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of lupin flake supplementation on the growth, plasma parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat composition of late-fattening Hanwoo steers. The steers (n = 40) were randomly divided into the four groups with 10 steers each: LP0 (lupin flake 0%), LP3 (lupin flake 3%), LP6 (lupin flake 6%), and LP9 (lupin flake 9%). The total digestible nutriant intake increased as the concentration of lupin increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content in the strip loins decreased as lupin flake supplementation levels increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05), while carnosine levels increased linearly (p < 0.05). As the lupin flake supplementation level increased, anserine and creatinine contents increased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05). Similarly, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) content increased with increasing lupin flake supplementation levels in linear and quadratic effects (p < 0.001). Palmitoleic acid content increased significantly with increasing lupin flake supplementation level (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05). The content of oleic acid in the strip loin was not significant, but the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) (p < 0.05) and n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.05) increased. The results of this study indicated that although lupin flake supplementation did not markedly affect the growth, carcass characteristics, or meat composition of late-fattening Hanwoo steers, it exerted a positive effect on the flavor, taste profiles (anserine, creatinine, ATP, and AMP), hypotonicity (TBARS), and healthy meat production (UFA and n-6/n-3 ratio) related to beef.

Microbial Phytase Improves Performance and Bone Traits in Broilers Fed Diets Based on Soybean Meal and White Lupin (Lupinus albus) Meal

For several years in Europe, there has been a growing interest in the use of native sources of protein (e.g. lupin seeds) in poultry nutrition. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a microbial phytase in broiler diets with the addition of different levels of white lupin seeds. A total of 480 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided into six dietary treatments (10 replications/8 birds per group). The basal diet contained SBM as the main protein source and experimental treatments were prepared with white lupin meal (WLM) at 3 levels (0, 10, and 20%) and with or without phytase inclusion. The experiment was divided into two feeding periods: from 1 to 14 days (starter) and from 15 to 35 days (grower). Diets with phytase addition were deficient in Ca and non-phytate P. All diets were fed in mash form and offered ad libitum. On day 35 excreta were collected and on day 36, ten chickens from each group were euthanized and blood, tibia, and digesta samples were collected for further analysis. The 20% addition of WLM negatively increased the content of phytic-P. The results showed that feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG) were not affected by phytase inclusion but by the WLM level alone. In addition, birds fed the diet with 20% WLM were characterized by having the lowest BWG and the highest FCR of all groups. There were no significant differences in feed intake (FI) among chickens fed control and experimental treatments. Regardless of the white lupin level addition, phytase addition improved (P<0.001) nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEN). In conclusion, the addition of phytase positively influenced the performance and availability of minerals (Ca and P) regardless of the level of WLM used. However, with regard to the use of WLM in poultry nutrition, it can be assumed that 10% addition is safe and does not affect performance.

Effects of Different Dietary Levels of Blue Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) Seed Meal With or Without Probiotics on the Performance, Carcass Criteria, Immune Organs, and Gut Morphology of Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) seed meal with or without probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) in broiler diets on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal and immune organs, and gut morphology. Three experimental diets containing 0, 20, and 30% of blue lupine, with or without probiotics, were formulated and fed to 144 day (d)-old Ross 308 broiler chickens. Overall, chicks fed blue lupine meal diets, especially at the 30% rate, showed improved growth, feed performance parameters, and carcass characteristics in comparison to chicks fed a soybean meal-based diet. For example, a 30% blue lupine diet resulted in a significant increase in the duodenum length percentage of 35 d-old broilers; the addition of probiotics had no—effects on the dressing, thigh, and leg percentages of 21- and 35 d-old broilers and the drumstick and leg percentages of 35 d-old broilers. In conclusion, a 30% blue lupine seed diet with the addition of probiotics could provide a cheap source of protein without negative effects on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune organs and gut morphology of broilers.

Narrow-leaved lupine seeds as a dietary protein source for fattening rabbits: a comparison with white lupine seeds

Lupine seeds have the potential to be an alternative to imported dietary proteins. In rabbits, it has been indicated that White lupine seed (WLS) is a suitable protein source. Other lupine species, for example, narrow-leaved lupine seed (NLS), have not yet been tested in rabbit diets. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of NLS on growth performance, sanitary risk index (SRI), coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and nitrogen output in fattening rabbits. Narrow-leaved lupine was compared with WLS as a main protein source. For Experiment I, a total of 198 Hyplus rabbits (37 days of age) were allocated into two groups (99 rabbits per group), fed the WLS I diet (120 g/kg of WLS cv. Amiga) or the NLS I diet (150 g/kg of NLS cv. Probor), and used for performance and carcass trait evaluations. In addition, the CTTAD of the diets and the nitrogen output were determined in 10 Hyplus rabbits per treatment (37 days of age). For Experiment II, a total of 180 Hyplus rabbits (32 days of age) were allocated into two groups (90 rabbits per group), fed the WLS II diet (120 g/kg of WLS cv. Amiga) or the NLS II diet (130 g/kg of NLS cv. Primadona), and used for performance and carcass trait evaluations. In addition, the CTTAD of the diets was determined in 10 Hyplus rabbits per treatment (32 days of age). Regardless of the treatment, the dietary inclusion of NLS had a negative effect on growth of the rabbits. The nitrogen excretion and coefficients of nitrogen retention of rabbits were not affected by the treatments. In Experiment I, SRI (37 to 80 days of age) was higher in rabbits fed the NLS I diet than in those fed the WLS I diet (38.4% v. 23.2%, respectively; P = 0.031). Similarly, in Experiment II (32 to 74 days of age), SRI was higher in rabbits fed the NLS II diet than in rabbits fed the WLS II diet (37.8% v. 23.3%, respectively; P = 0.052). In conclusion, regardless of the variety, the dietary inclusion of NLS had no negative effect on the nitrogen output or dressing-out percentage of rabbits when compared to those of rabbits fed the WLS diets. With respect to the SRI and performance, however, NLS did not provide a satisfactory outcome.

Influence of graded levels of meals from three lupin species on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

1. This study investigated the effect of different levels of seeds of lupin species (Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus luteus and Lupinus albus) on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolisable energy of poultry diets. 2. A control diet containing corn-soybean meal and test diets containing 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg of three lupin species were fed to broiler chickens during a 35-day study period. There were 10 replicate cages of 8 broiler chickens per treatment. 3. Growth performance of the birds fed with yellow and white lupin diets was found to be similar to that of the birds in the control group. The use of narrow-leaved lupin seeds in the diet quadratically decreased the body weight gain of birds and increased feed conversion ratio during all the experimental periods (0-14, 15-35 and overall 0-35 days of age). 4. A significant interaction between lupin species and their inclusion levels for apparent metabolisable energy and apparent ileal digestibility of starch was observed, showing a negative effect of increasing levels of narrow-leaved lupin. Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated that the presence of raffinose and non-starch polysaccharides is a key factor affecting the nutritive value of lupin, 5. Yellow and white lupins could be utilised as an alternative ingredient for soybean meal in the diet of broiler chickens without any adverse effects on growth performance. The narrow-leaved counterpart diet reduced broiler performance, and hence did not provide a satisfactory outcome.

The Use of Lupin as a Source of Protein in Animal Feeding: Genomic Tools and Breeding Approaches

Livestock production in the European Union EU is highly dependent on imported soybean, exposing the livestock farming system to risks related to the global trade of soybean. Lupin species could be a realistic sustainable alternative source of protein for animal feeding. Lupinus is a very diverse genus with many species. However, only four of them—namely, L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. luteus and L. mutabilis—are cultivated. Their use in livestock farming systems has many advantages in relation to economic and environmental impact. Generally, lupin grains are characterized by high protein content, while their oil content is relatively low but of high quality. On the other hand, the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids and their specific carbohydrate composition are the main antinutritional factors that prevent their use in animal feeding. This research is mainly related to L. albus and to L. angustifolius, and to a lesser extent, to L. lauteus and L. mutabilis. The breeding efforts are mostly focused on yield stabilization, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, biochemical structure associated with seed quality and late maturing. Progress is made in improving lupin with respect to the seed quality, as well as the tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. It has to be noted that modern cultivars, mostly of L. albus and L. angustifolius, contain low levels of alkaloids. However, for future breeding efforts, the implementation of marker-assisted selection and the available genomic tools is of great importance.

Influence of graded inclusion of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal viscosity of laying hens

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal (WLM) addition on the intestinal viscosity, bird performance and nutrient utilisation of laying hens. 2. The experiment was conducted with 360 laying hens aged 21 weeks fed one of 6 treatments, including a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) and 5 experimental diets containing 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 g/kg WLM. 3. A linear increase in feed intake (p < 0.001) was observed with higher levels of WLM from 0 to 300 g/kg. Laying rate decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) and egg weight (at 6th, 12th and 18th weeks of the trial) decreased linearly with WLM inclusion from 0 to 300 g/kg. Birds fed 60 g/kg or more of WLM laid lighter eggs (p < 0.05) than CON hens. When 240 g/kg or more WLM was included into the diet, laying rate was affected negatively (p < 0.05). 4. As WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg, apparent metabolisable energy and pre-caecal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein decreased quadratically (p < 0.05). When 300 g/kg of WLM was used, there was a tendency (p < 0.1) to decrease pre-caecal starch digestibility. WLM dose exerted a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on total sialic acid excretion. As WLM increased, the viscosity of ileal digesta linearly increased (p < 0.05). 5. In the 6th and 12th weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05), eggshell thickness decreased linearly when 240 g/kg of WLM was added. At the 6th, 12th and 18th weeks, a linear decrease in eggshell content was observed (p < 0.05) after WLM addition. 6. In conclusion, the graded inclusion of WLM into laying hens' diets resulted in depressed performance, AME_N and eggshell quality.

Exogenous protease supplementation of poultry by-product meal-based diets for broilers: Effects on growth, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three levels (0%, 3% and 6%) of poultry by-product meal (PBM) with or without protease on broiler growth, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 35 days. Two hundred and forty birds (n = 240) were fed equi-caloric and equi-nitrogenous (ME 2850 kcal/kg; CP 20%) diets throughout the experiment. The enzyme supplementation increased feed intake (p < .01) and body weight gain (p < .01), but feed:gain remained unaffected (p > .05) from 1 to 21 days. Increasing level of PBM decreased feed intake (p < .05), but body weight gain was improved (p < .05) at 3% PBM level during 1 to 21 days. The feed:gain was improved (p < .05) in birds fed diets containing 3% PBM. The feed:gain was also improved in birds fed diets containing 3% PBM from 1 to 35 days. However, feed intake and body weight gain in birds fed diets containing PBM remained unaffected. An interaction (p < .01) on feed intake between enzyme and PBM was noticed during 1 to 21 days. However, no interaction was recorded for body weight gain and feed:gain. The per cent carcass yield improved (p < .01) in birds fed diets supplemented with enzyme. The per cent breast meat yield was depressed (p < .005) in birds fed diets containing PBM. Apparent metabolizable energy (p < .001), nitrogen retention (p < .01), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (p < .001), and apparent digestibility coefficient for nitrogen (p < .01) improved in birds fed diets containing enzyme; however, a reverse was noticed in those fed diets containing only PBM. In conclusion, inclusion of 3% PBM along with supplementation of exogenous protease improved performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers.

The potential of blue lupins as a protein source, in the diets of laying hens

Layers diets typically contain 15–20% soya due to its high crude protein content (ca. 36%). Reliance on soya for protein can result in large increases in cost of feed due to the law of supply and demand as a global commodity. Lupin grains have high protein content (35–40%) but previous experience with white lupins has shown toxic effects in poultry due to high levels alkaloids and poor performance due to anti-nutritional Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Here blue lupins either processed or whole were trialled for their potential as a protein source. Point of lay chickens (64) at 16 weeks of age were weighed and allocated to 16 coops of four hens. Coops, as the experimental unit, were randomly allocated to four treatments: layers mash with soya (Control); or layers mash with 150 g of lupin/kg diet with the lupin either: whole (Whole); dehulled (Dehulled) or dehulled + a solid state fermentation enzyme extract (SSF; 150 g/tonne DM). All diets were ground and formulated to be balanced for energy, crude protein and essential amino acids using NIRS. No difference in growth rate, final hen weight, DM and water intake, eggs per day, mean egg weight, yellowness of yolk or chroma was found between treatments. There was a trend (P<0.1) for the SSF treatment to produce less heavy shells and a significant effect for the lupin treatments to have redder yolks (P<0.001). Fecal DM and bacterial counts were not different and there was no sign of enteritis or intestinal tissue hyperplasia from hen autopsies. Inclusion of blue lupins in the diet of laying hens at a rate of 150 g/kg DM resulted in no adverse effects in production or hen health and could be used as part of a balanced ration with inclusion of NSP degrading enzymes to reduce reliance on soya protein.

Nutritional value of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) for broilers

1. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of three cultivars (Wallan, Tanjil and Borre) of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) for broilers. 2. In Experiment 1, the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and the apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of the three cultivars were determined. The cultivar effects were not significant for AME and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients. In general, amino acids in narrow-leafed lupin were well digested, with the notable exception of methionine. Among the indispensable amino acids, arginine had the highest digestibility coefficient (0·92-0·95), while the lowest was for methionine (0·74-0·83). 3. In Experiment 2, using the energy and digestible amino acid values determined in Experiment 1, diets containing 200 g/kg of the three lupin cultivars were formulated and the effects of feeding these diets on the performance and the digestive tract development of broiler starters were investigated. 4. Weight gain, feed intake and feed per gain of broilers fed narrow-leafed lupins diets were similar to those fed on the maize-soy basal diet. The performance of birds fed on diets containing different cultivars of lupins was also similar. Birds fed on lupin diets had similar excreta scores to those fed on the basal diet. 5. Inclusion of 200 g/kg lupins in broiler diets had no effects on the relative weight and length of the intestinal tract. Broilers fed on lupin diets, however, had higher relative weights of liver. 6. These results suggest that narrow-leafed lupins are good sources of protein, but poor sources of AME and sulphur-containing amino acids. It is concluded that, when diets are properly balanced in terms of AME and digestible amino acids, lupins can be included at 200 g/kg inclusion level in broiler starter diets with no adverse effects on performance.

Effect of Enzyme Preparation with Activity Directed Towards Degradation of Non Starch Polysaccharides on Yellow Lupine Seed Based Diet for Young Broilers

This work examined the impact of enzyme preparation with specific activity towards non starch polysaccharides on performance, morphological characteristics of gastrointestinal tract organs, microscopic evaluation of jejunal mucosa, and microbial status of ileum, caeca, and excreta in broilers fed a diet containing a high content of lupine meal. One-day-old chickens (Ross 308, mixed sex) were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Each group consisted of 36 birds, with 6 replications,and with 6 chickens per replication. The control group was fed the basal diet (consisting of maize and 40% of lupine), while the experimental treatment group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.06% commercial enzyme (Ronozyme VP). Chickens were fed diets in mash form for 4 weeks. Enzyme preparation significantly (P< 0.05) improved feed consumption and chicken growth, and slightly improved total tract digestibility of dietary ingredients and energy. Enzyme preparation significantly reduced (P< 0.05) the size of gastrointestinal tract organs and had an impact on jejunal mucous membrane of chickens evidenced by elongation of villi and deepening of crypts. No significant effects of dietary enzyme on counts of the analysed bacteria in the jejunal digesta were observed, but enzyme preparation significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the number ofEnterobacteriaceaein caeca and excreta, andcoliformsin excreta only (P< 0.01). Appropriate combination of enzyme preparations with activity towards degrading carbohydrates may offer a potential to reduce the deleterious impact of lupine in broilers.

Nutritional evaluation of protein, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium bioavailability from lupin (Lupinus albus var. multolupa)-based diets in growing rats: effect of α-galactoside oligosaccharide extraction and phytase supplementation

The nutritional composition of the legume Lupinus albus var. multolupa, raw or after α-galactoside extraction, and its effect on the bioavailability of protein, P, Ca, and Mg by growing rats wasevaluated using a balance technique. The protein and dietary fibre content of the lupin floursstudied was high, and 89–94% of the dietary fibre was present as insoluble dietary fibre. The α-galactoside extraction process did not disrupt the nutritional quality of protein, and the digestive and metabolic utilisation of this nutrient was high and comparable with that obtained from a casein–cystine control diet (pair-fed to the average daily food intake of the experimental groups fed the different lupin diets). Bioavailability of P, Ca, and Mg from the lupin diets tested was high, and supplementation of an exogenous microbial phytase (750 phytase units/kg) did not cause any further improvement. Mineral content in the bone tissue (femur and sternum) did not correlate to mineral balance, which, on the other hand, was related to the mineral content of other tissues such as blood, plasma, liver and kidney. Due to its ability to grow under adverse edaphic and climatic conditions and to its good nutritional quality, α-galactoside-free lupin flour supplemented with the required amounts of minerals and vitamins to meet nutrient requirements can be used as an excellent dietary source for the preparation of dietetic products.

Effects of blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) in organic layer diets and supplementation with foraging material on egg production and some egg quality parameters

Six groups of organically fed hens were studied for egg production, feed parameters, and egg quality from 20 to 31 wk of age. Treatments were 3 diets (0, 15, and 25% blue lupin) with or without supplements of foraging material (whole carrots and corn silage). Increased lupin content increased nonstarch polysaccharides content and reduced methionine content below the hens' requirement. Egg production at 31 wk was lower with the 25% lupin diet without (69%) and with foraging material (76%) compared with the other diets (approximately 90%). Egg weight was highest with the 0% lupin diet (64 g), and 15% lupin diet (60 g), whereas the 25% lupin diet without and with foraging material resulted in egg weights of 58 and 56 g, respectively. Feed intakes were approximately 113 g of diet/ hen per d and 113 g of supplement/hen per d in 0 and 15% lupin treatments, respectively. Feeding the 25% lupin diet significantly reduced diet intake to approximately 91 g, and increased supplement intake to 118 g for the treatment with foraging material. Eggs from treatments with foraging material had significantly higher sulfur-like aftertaste in sensory evaluation. Yolk color became significantly lighter and more yellow with lupin content, but darker and less greenish with foraging material. Increased lupin levels decreased albumen DM, whereas foraging material had no effect. Inclusion of 25% lupin in layer diets is only recommended when supplying some methionine source, as egg production and quality parameters are dramatically impaired. However, supplement of foraging material significantly improves egg production.