Lupins (L. luteus, L. albus, L. angustifolius) as a protein source for young pigs

Variability within L. albus and L. angustifolius Seeds in Dietary Fiber Components

Lupin seeds have received increased attention due to their applications in the nutrition of humans and livestock. One of their special features is their high content of dietary fiber, which is influenced by the lupin species. No previous studies have focused on the variability in dietary fiber and its fractions within species so far. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability within L. albus and L. angustifolius (eight cultivars each) in the dietary fiber composition expressed as low-molecular-weight soluble dietary fiber (LMWSDF), soluble and insoluble non-cellulosic polysaccharides, cellulose, and Klason lignin. Additionally, we analyzed the proximate composition and the composition of amino acids and fatty acids. The results showed noticeable variability within both species not only in the total dietary fiber but also in all its fractions, especially in LMWSDF, cellulose, non-starch polysaccharides, and Klason lignin within L. angustifolius. This indicates that the cultivar choice should be based on the application for which it is used. Even though important nutrients, such as the most indispensable amino acids, are not highly variable within L. albus, dietary fiber variations can still have a marked influence on the nutritional value because of their influence on the digestibility of other nutrients.

Nutrient bioavailability of white lupine in complete feed for non-human primates

The article is devoted to the current world problem of vegetable protein deficiency, the solution of which can be white lupine. Particular attention is paid to assessing the bioavailability of nutrients from white lupine (Lupinus albus) in the body of non-human primates M. Mulatta. Because primates are phylogenetically closer to humans than other laboratory animals, which is very convenient for modeling and studying the digestibility of nutrients in diets. The purpose of the article is to study the digestibility of nutrients in lupine in the structure of complete feed and its effect on the biochemical parameters of the blood. As a result of the research, it was found that the inclusion of white lupine in the structure of the diet allows to improve the bioavailability of nutrients of complete feed, when included in the structure of the diet of white lupine in an amount of 10%, it made it possible to improve the digestibility of crude protein in relation to the control group by 5.5%, crude fat by 0.99%, crude fiber by 1.84%, BEV by 7.99%, crude ash by 4.67%, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by 6.99%, and 1.02 %. With the inclusion of 20% white lupine in the structure of the diet, it made it possible to improve the digestibility of crude protein in relation to the control group by 9.28%, crude fat by 6.5%, crude fiber by 5.98%, BEV by 2, 78%, crude ash by 11.28%, and absorption of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by 9.93% and 8.68%. At the same time, the results of hematological analyzes generally indicate the safety of consuming white lupine for 35 days.

The Effect of Diet Based on Legume Seeds and Rapeseed Meal on Pig Performance and Meat Quality

Simple Summary

Pig diets are primarily composed of cereal-based ingredients and contain soybean meal as the main protein source. A growing trend for increased protein requirements has been noted in animal nutrition. The price of extracted soybean meal fluctuates significantly, hence it is worth replacing it with mixtures based on domestic sources of protein. One of the factors that have a direct impact on the quality of meat is animal nutrition. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of a total dietary replacement of extracted soybean meal (SBM) on the body weight gain and pork quality. The fattening pigs, which were offered diets based on SBM, had similar raw meat parameters as the pigs which were fed diets based on legumes and rapeseed as protein sources.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to assess the impact of a total dietary replacement of extracted soybean meal (SBM) on body weight gain and pork quality. DanBred hybrid piglets were divided into four groups of 10 piglets each. Groups I (males) and II (females) were the control groups and fed a standardized SBM-based complete feed. The experimental groups III (males) and IV (females) were offered a diet in which the SBM was replaced with extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) and legume plants (pea and yellow lupin). After 83 days of fattening, the animals were slaughtered. Based on the collected data, the daily weight gain (DWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. In addition, longissimus dorsi muscle was subjected to physicochemical analyses, including the basic chemical composition. All the analyses were performed in accordance with the applicable methodologies. As a result of this experiment, no interactions were found between the experimental factors (sex and diet). The replacement of SMB by legumes and RSM resulted in a significant reduction in the final body weight of growing–finishing pigs. Additionally, daily body weight gain was reduced between 35–83 days, and through the whole fattening period (0–83 days). Most pork meat quality parameters were not affected by the type of mix feed and sex (p > 0.05). The fattening pigs that were fed legume seeds and RSM had significantly reduced fatness (p > 0.05) compared to the control pigs. In males, there was also a significantly lower pH₄₅ (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that feeding pigs with diets containing legume plants and extracted rapeseed meal does not affect the pork meat quality, but it may worsen the body weight gain.

Viscosity negatively affects the nutritional value of blue lupin seeds for broilers

This study examines the impact of Lupinus angustifolius variety (C) and inclusion level (L) in broiler diets on the nutritional value, viscosity of ileal digesta and activity of gut microbiota. The experiment was conducted on 154 female 21-day-old broilers, allocated to 11 groups (kept individually). A reference lupin-free diet and 10 test diets containing one of five lupin seeds; Kadryl, Regent, Dalbor, Bojar and Tango, mixed with the reference diet at a ratio of 25 : 75 or 32 : 68 dry matter (DM) (low or high level of inclusion) were prepared. Diets were fed for 6 days, excreta were collected over last 4 days. Apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero N balance (AMEN) of diets and AMEN of lupin seeds were calculated. Birds were sacrificed, ileal and caecal digesta were pooled by segments from two birds, and the activity of bacterial enzymes was determined. The ileal digesta viscosity was measured immediately (ileal viscosity immediate (IVI)) or after 6 days storage at -18°C (ileal viscosity frozen). AMEN of test diets were lower than the reference diet. Lupin AMEN values ranged from 6.04 MJ/kg DM for Regent at high level to 9.25 MJ/kg DM for Bojar at low level. High inclusion level numerically decreased AMEN value in all cultivars, except for Kadryl, for which it increased (significant C×L interaction). The IVI value was 2.6 mPa·s in the reference group, but ranged from 6.3 to 21.7 mPa·s in lupin-fed birds. It increased significantly with level for Regent, Dalbor and Tango but not for the other two cultivars (significant C×L interaction). There was a negative correlation between IVI and: apparent total tract N retention, fat digestibility from test diets, AMEN of diets and lupins. Ileal viscosity immediate was positively correlated with the activity of ileal α- and β-glucosidase and negatively with ileal α-galactosidase and caecal α-glucosidase. Ileal viscosity frozen ranged from 3.2 to 5 mPa·s and it was not correlated with lupins AMEN. This suggests that the digesta viscosity caused by narrow-leafed lupin is detrimental to its nutritional value and interfere with the gut microbial activity. In addition, the lupins viscosity was measured by two in vitro methods: the water extract viscosity (WEV) method and after incubation in conditions imitating in vivo digestion (enzyme-treated extract viscosity (EEV)). In vivo viscosity was weakly reflected by in vitro measurements as there was no correlation between IVI and WEV or EEV. Overall, findings suggest that the different cultivars of narrow-leafed lupin may have different value for practical application in broiler diets.

The effect of Lupinus albus seeds on digestibility, performance and gastrointestinal tract indices in pigs

The effect of soya bean meal (SBM) substitution in the diet with white lupine (WL) seeds on performances and some parameters of the digestive tract of pigs were studied. The digestibility experiment was performed on 30 pigs using difference method combined with marker method, where one group was offered basal diet and in diet of experimental groups 25% of the basal diet was substituted with SBM or WL meal. The growth experiment was conducted on 48 pigs of approximately 20 kg body weight. The animals from the control group were fed with diet containing SBM, whereas in the experimental groups 50% or 100% of SBM was substituted with WL seeds. At the end of the experiment, eight pigs from each group were euthanized, and digesta and tissues were sampled. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and dry matter was higher (p < 0.05), but crude fibre and ether extract were lower (p < 0.05) in the WL seeds than in SBM. Substituting 50% of SBM in the control diet with WL seeds did not affect significantly pig performance. Total substitution of SBM with WL seeds impacted negatively pigs growth and feed intake (p < 0.05), but it did not affect the length of villi and crypt depth. It also significantly increased ileum digesta viscosity and ammonia concentration in the ileum and caecum digesta. In the ileal digesta of animals offered WL seeds, an increased (p < 0.05) total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae numbers were found, whereas reduced number of yeast and mould was found in the caecal digesta. The substitution of 50% SBM with WL seeds in the growing pig diet did not affect pigs' results, but the total substitution significantly decreased the performance of pigs and affected intestinal ecology.

The influence of narrow-leafed lupin seed fermentation on their chemical composition and ileal digestibility and microbiota in growing pigs

The aims of this study were to provide a controlled fermentation process of blue lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius, cv. Neptun), monitor the changes in seed composition and determine the influence of the fermentation on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids in growing pigs, compared with raw lupin seeds. The fermentation with bacteria and yeast was conducted for 24 h at 25ºC under aerobic conditions. Seed fermentation increased the contents of CP, fibre, fat and ash and most of the analysed amino acids but reduced the levels of the nitrogen-free extractives. Furthermore, fermentation decreased the contents of raffinose family oligosaccharides and phytic acids but increased the alkaloid content. The AID was estimated on three barrows (mean initial body weight 25 kg), surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. The pigs received three diets, each for 6 d, within three experimental periods (3 × 3 Latin Square design). The diets contained soybean meal (Group SBM), raw lupin seeds (Group RL) or fermented lupin seeds (Group FL) as solely protein sources. Fermentation had a positive impact on the AID of CP and methionine, cysteine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and valine (p < 0.05). Feeding raw or fermented lupin seeds did not affect the microbial status of the ileal digesta. Moreover, ammonia content in the caecal digesta did not differ between Groups RL and FL, although it was significantly higher than in Group SBM. It can be concluded that the fermentation process modified the chemical composition of nutrients in seeds, which can influence the digestibility and utilisation of the fermentation product in animal diets compared to raw seeds.

Comparison of nutritional and antinutritional traits among different species (Lupinus albus L., Lupinus luteus L., Lupinus angustifolius L.) and varieties of lupin seeds

In order to promote the use of lupin in pig nutrition, in this research the nutritional characteristics (i.e. dietary fibre, alkaloid and fatty acid profile) and the in vitro gas production of 12 lupin varieties grown in the Mediterranean basin and belonging to three lupin species (Lupinus albus, Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus luteus) were assessed. Four varieties of L. albus (Asfer, Lublanc, Lutteur and Multitalia) were grown in South Campania. Three varieties of L. luteus (Dukat, Mister and Taper), three of L. angustifolius (Jindalee, Sonet and Wonga) and two of L. albus (Rosetta and Luxor) were grown in Eastern Sicily. Lupinus albus varieties showed interesting nutritional and dietetic characteristics (i.e. high protein and low fibre content); the lipid fraction, rather elevated, is well represented by monounsaturated fatty acids (544 g/kg), whereas saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are less represented (167 g/kg) and the n-3/n-6 ratio (0.510) is the most favourable. Lupinus luteus varieties presented the most remarkable dietetic aspects, in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (569 g/kg), n-6 PUFA series (490 g/kg), UFA/SFA (5.24) and PUFA/SFA (3.56) ratios and atherogenic (0.059) and thrombogenic (0.100) indices and very low alkaloid content (1.07 mg per 100 g). Lupinus angustifolius varieties showed the least interesting nutritional and dietetic characteristics: low protein and fat content, high fibre level, high SFA amount (248 g/kg) and the lowest favourable nutritional indices (IA: 0.164 and IT: 0.334). Regarding the fermentation process, in L. albus, the tendency to increase the rate of gas production during the early stages of fermentation suggests that the high presence of alkaloids did not affect the in vitro degradability, production of short-chain fatty acids and fermentation process, probably due to their concentration and/or water solubility. Lupinus angustifolius and L. luteus showed intermediate and slightly worse in vitro fermentation patterns respectively. From a nutritional and dietetic point of view, lupin may represent an interesting alternative to soya bean in pig feeding.

Lupin as a perspective protein plant for animal and human nutrition – a review

The development of new varieties of lupin, so-called “sweet lupinsˮ with low alkaloid (bitter substances) and high protein content has resulted in a renewed interest in utilization of lupin as source of proteins in human and animal nutrition. The nutraceutical potential of lupin can be applied in the prevention from various pathological states in humans; by suppressing appetite and affecting energy balance, by its positive effect on glycaemia and indicators of blood lipids, by its positive influence on hypertension and by improving defecation. In the field of animal nutrition, lupin seeds can positively affect both production indicators and the biological value of food of animal origin.

The nutritional value of narrow-leafed lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) for fattening pigs

The aim of this study was to determine the nutrient digestibility of seeds of four varieties of narrow-leafed lupines (Lupinus angustifolius) and the possibility of soya bean meal (SBM) substitution by lupine seeds alone and in combination with rapeseed meal (RSM) in the diets of pigs. The seeds of the lupine varieties Kalif, Sonet, Zeus and Boruta were analysed. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) was determined on 50 cross-bred pigs using the difference method with titanium dioxide as a marker. The substitution of SBM by lupine seeds alone (at 0 - 100%) was tested on 60 pigs (20-105 kg body weight (BW)) and by a combination of lupine seeds and RSM on 180 fattening pigs (35-80 kg BW). The chemical composition of lupine seeds differed considerably, especially in terms of crude protein and mineral content. All seeds contained less than 0.05% alkaloids and 9.3% oligosaccharides in dry matter. The ATTD of protein ranged from 70% to 74%, those of ether extract from 36% to 55% and those of gross energy from 77% to 84%. The entire replacement of SBM by lupine seeds (var. Sonet) did not have a negative effect on the performance of grower and fattener pigs. The substitution of SBM by a combination of lupines and RSM reduced the performance of growing and finishing pigs significantly.

Forage plants as an alternative feed resource for sustainable pig production in the tropics: a review

Globally, pressure on concentrate feed resources is increasing, especially in the tropics where many countries are net importers of food. Forage plants are a possible alternative, but their use as feed ingredients for pigs raises several issues related to their higher fibre and plant secondary metabolites contents as well as their lower nutritive value. In this paper, the nutritive value of several forage species and the parameters that influence this nutritive value in relationship to the plant family, the physiological stage, the plant part and the preservation method (fresh, hay and silage) are reviewed. The influence of the breed and the physiological status of the animal on animal voluntary intake of fibre-rich ingredients, digestibility as related to gastrointestinal volume and transit time and growth performances are also discussed. The final section highlights the advantages and drawbacks of forage plants in pig diets and stresses the need for proper economic evaluation to conclude on the benefits of the use of forage plants in pig feed.

How a phosphorus-acquisition strategy based on carboxylate exudation powers the success and agronomic potential of lupines (Lupinus, Fabaceae)

Lupines (Lupinus species; Fabaceae) are an ancient crop with great potential to be developed further for high-protein feed and food, cover crops, and phytoremediation. Being legumes, they are capable of symbiotically fixing atmospheric nitrogen. However, Lupinus species appear to be nonmycorrhizal or weakly mycorrhizal at most; instead some produce cluster roots, which release vast amounts of phosphate-mobilizing carboxylates (inorganic anions). Other lupines produce cluster-like roots, which function in a similar manner, and some release large amounts of carboxylates without specialized roots. These traits associated with nutrient acquisition make lupines ideally suited for either impoverished soils or soils with large amounts of phosphorus that is poorly available for most plants, e.g., acidic or alkaline soils. Here we explore how common the nonmycorrhizal phosphorus-acquisition strategy based on exudation of carboxylates is in the genus Lupinus, concluding it is very likely more widespread than generally acknowledged. This trait may partly account for the role of lupines as pioneers or invasive species, but also makes them suitable crop plants while we reach "peak phosphorus".

Effect of Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) inclusion levels and enzyme supplementation on the performance, carcass composition and meat quality of grower/finisher pigs

Two hundred and twenty-four crossbred male pigs (Large White × Landrace, initial bodyweight 27.2 kg ± 0.22) were used to determine the influence of dietary Australian sweet lupin (ASL) inclusion level and enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass composition and meat quality. The experiment was a 4 × 2 factorial design with the respective factors being ASL inclusion level (Lupinus angustifolius L., cv. Mandelup; 200, 250, 300 and 350 g/kg, in replacement of soybean meal) and enzyme supplementation (without or with supplemental enzyme; Allzyme SSF). Pigs (7 pigs per pen × 4 replicates per treatment = 28 pigs per enzyme by lupin-level combination) were fed grower diets between 27 and 50 kg, finisher diets between 50 and 75 kg and pre-sale diets between 75 and 107 kg, and daily gain and feed intake were measured weekly. At ~107 kg liveweight, the pigs were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir and carcass composition was measured. Meat quality (pH, surface exudate, drip loss, cooking loss, meat colour and shear force) was measured from selected pigs (n = 18) fed the lowest and highest lupin diets without enzyme supplementation. Increasing the ASL inclusion level to 350 g/kg did not alter (P > 0.05) growth performance of pigs and did not influence (P > 0.05) carcass composition and meat quality. Likewise, addition of supplemental enzyme had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance and carcass composition. Lack of performance response to added enzyme complex is likely due either to the use of enzyme complex that was not substrate-specific for the lupin non-starch polysaccharides or to the high specification of the experimental diets, which was inevitable when increasing inclusion levels of lupins. The results show that a current variety (Mandelup) of ASL can be used in grower/finisher diets up to 350 g/kg without compromising growth, carcass composition or meat quality of pigs.

Nutritive value of yellow lupins (Lupinus luteus L.) for weaner pigs

Two experiments were conducted to examine the nutritive value of yellow lupins for weaner pigs. Using a completely randomised block design, Experiment 1 was conducted to determine the optimum inclusion level for yellow lupins (cv. Wodjil) in the diet of weaner pigs (6.14 kg ± 0.278). Experiment 2 was conducted using a 2 × 2 factorial design to examine whether supplementation of an enzyme preparation (VegPro) either in a soybean meal-based diet (0 g/kg yellow lupins) or in a yellow lupin-based diet (150 g/kg) improved performance of piglets (6.17 kg ± 0.317). In Experiment 1, the feed conversion ratio significantly increased at week 1 (linear effect, P = 0.040) and at week 3 (quadratic effect, P = 0.010) as the concentration of yellow lupins increased in the diet. In Experiment 2, supplementation with the enzyme preparation improved the feed conversion ratio in the pigs fed the lupin-based diet only but not in the pigs fed the soybean meal-based diet in week 2 (interaction P = 0.001). The results indicate that the optimum inclusion levels of yellow lupins for piglets immediately after weaning was 150 g/kg, and supplementation of a multi-enzyme preparation to a yellow lupin-based diet for the weaner pigs improved performance relative to the soybean meal-based diet.

The bioavailability and postprandial utilisation of sweet lupin (Lupinus albus)-flour protein is similar to that of purified soyabean protein in human subjects: a study using intrinsically15N-labelled proteins

Sweet lupin (Lupinus albus), a protein-rich legume devoid of anti-nutritional factors, is considered to have a high potential for protein nutrition in man. Results concerning the nutritional value of lupin protein are, however, conflicting in animals and very scarce in human subjects. Furthermore, where fibre-rich protein sources are concerned, the long-term nutritional results are often obscured, particularly since fibre-promoted colonic fermentation may bias the energy supply and redistribute N flux. We therefore studied, during the postprandial phase, the bioavailability and utilisation of lupin-flour protein in nine healthy men who had ingested a mixed meal containing intrinsically15N-labelled lupin flour as the protein source (Expt 1). The real ileal digestibility (RID) and ileal endogenous N losses (IENL) were assessed using a perfusion technique at the terminal ileum, and the N content and15N enrichment of ileal samples. Lupin flour exhibited a high RID of 91 (SD 3) % AND LOW IENL (5·4 (sd 1·3) mmol N/h). Postprandial dietary deamination was also assessed from body dietary urea and urinary dietary N excretion, and compared with results in nine healthy men following an isoenergetic meal containing a15N-soyabean-protein isolate with a similar RID, as a control (Expt 2). Postprandial dietary deamination was similar after lupin and soyabean meals (17 (sd 2) and 18 (sd 4) % ingested N respectively). We therefore conclude that lupin protein is highly bioavailable, even if included in fibre-rich flour, and that it can be used with the same efficiency as soyabean protein to achieve postprandial protein gain in healthy human subjects.

Ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the district of Acquapendente (Latium, Central Italy)

In the years 2002-2003 research was carried out concerning ethnomedicine in the Acquapendente district (Viterbo, Latium, central Italy), an area so far less frequently studied from the perspective of plant folk traditions. The district, from the ethnobotanical point of view, shows traces of the influences of the neighbouring regions. In this study 96 plant entities are described, belonging to 45 families, of which 64 are employed in human medicine, 15 in veterinary medicine, 22 in the feeding of domestic animals, 5 as antiparasitics and 5 for other uses. Some medicinal uses are linked to beliefs or residual forms of magic prescriptions (11 plants). Amongst the more notable uses the most interesting are those of: Verbena officinalis (rheumatic pains, wounds), Juglans regia (antiparasitic use for cheeses), Santolina etrusca (antimoth use), Stellaria media and Lupinus albus (birdseed for poultry and fodder for lambs), and Thymus longicaulis subsp. longicaulis (used to curdle milk).