Assessment of the chemical composition of selected tropical legume seeds as animal feed

Authors

  • A.C. Schlink Division of Tropical Animal Production, CSIRO, PMB, PO Aitkenvale, Qld 4814, Australia
  • R.L. Burt Post Graduate School of Tropical Veterinary Science and Agriculture,James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia

Keywords:

Tropical legume seeds, Protein, Fat, Fatty acids, Minerals, Potential value to ruminant feed

Abstract

Seeds of 11 introduced tropical pasture legumes were analysed for protein, fats, and minerals. The seeds offer a valuable source of protein, and, in some cases, fat for ruminants but there was a deficiency of sodium in all seeds evaluated with some imbalances in the Ca:P and N:S ratios between plant genotypes. There is considerable variation between genotypes and this will allow for selection of plants likely to meet animal production requirements in grazing systems.

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Issue

Volume 70 Number 2

Section

Research Papers