Title: The effect of ensiling forage legumes on condensed tannins
Abstract: Condensed tannin (CT) containing legumes are widely known for their beneficial or anti-nutritional effects when fed to ruminants. But what happens to the CTs when these legumes are ensiled? Analyses of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus comiculatus) and sulla (Hedysarium coronarium) crops grown at Dexcel, Hamilton, showed that total concentration of CT in dry matter (DM) was similar in fresh herbage (2.86% and 1.95% of DM) as in ensiled herbage (2.90 and 1.87 % of DM). This suggests that total CT concentration is not affected by ensilation. However, the amount of 'free' CTs (CTs not in complex with other molecules) is markedly reduced in the ensiled forages. In fresh birdsfoot trefoil herbage 67% of the CTs were free, but only 11% of the CTs were free in the ensiled birdsfoot trefoil herbage. Likewise for the sulla; 88% of the CTs in fresh sulla were free, while only 8% of CTs were free in ensiled sulla. The remaining CTs are 'bound' to other molecules such as plant proteins or fibre. This alteration in proportions is believed to be due to the process of ensilation, causing cell rupture and release of the CT from the plant cells, allowing them to bind with other molecules. The binding capability of CTs is significant to animal production, because those plant proteins bound to CTs are protected from microbial degradation in the rumen.
Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 16
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