Leucaena toxicity: a new perspective on the most widely used forage tree legume
Michael J. Halliday,Jagadish Padmanabha,Christopher S. McSweeney,G. L. Kerven,H. Max Shelton +4 more
TLDR
O Ongoing research into the taxonomy and ecology of the Synergistetes phylum, improved methods of inoculation, and improved management solutions, along with aware-ness-raising extension activities, are vital for the future success of leucaena feeding systems.Abstract:
The tree legume Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is a high quality ruminant feed, vitally important for livestock production in the tropics, despite the presence of mimosine in the leaves. This toxic non-protein amino acid has the potential to limit productivity and adversely affect the health of animals. In the 1980s, the ruminal bacterium Synergistes jonesii was discovered and subsequently distributed in Australia as an oral inoculum to overcome these toxic effects. However, in recent times, a number of factors, including: surveys of the status of toxicity worldwide; improved understanding of the chemistry and mode of action of the toxins; new techniques for molecular sequencing; and concerns about the efficacy of the in vitro inoculum; have cast doubt on some past understanding of leucaena toxicity and provide new insights into the geographical spread of S. jonesii . There is also confusion and ignorance regarding the occurrence and significance of toxicity in many countries worldwide. Ongoing research into the taxonomy and ecology of the Synergistetes phylum, improved methods of inoculation, and improved management solutions, along with aware-ness-raising extension activities, are vital for the future success of leucaena feeding systems.read more
Citations
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The production and storage of a fermentor-grown bacterial culture containing
TL;DR: All cultivars in each experiment exhibited commonly reported responses towater deficit, characterised by diminished evaporative surface area and increased root : shoot ratio, and the response of MK was primarily morphological.
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The Early Impact of Genomics and Metagenomics on Ruminal Microbiology
TL;DR: A program to culture and isolate microbial species for the purpose of standard microbial characterization to aid in assigning function to genomic data remains critical, especially for genes of unknown function.
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Sustainable intensification of cultivated pastures using multiple herbivore species
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest an underutilised solution to increase herbivore diversity on cultivated pastures, which is referred to as MHS in natural ecosystems (rangeland and wildlife parks).
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Isolation and characterization of mimosine, 3, 4 DHP and 2, 3 DHP degrading bacteria from a commercial rumen inoculum
TL;DR: Comprehensive screening of rumen fluid of cattle grazing on Leucaena pastures is needed to identify additional mimosine‐detoxifying bacteria and contribute to development of more effective inoculums to be used by farmers against LeucaENA toxicity.
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An update on leucaena toxicity: Is inoculation with Synergistes jonesii necessary?
TL;DR: Since the Indonesian cattle fed leucaena suffered symptoms of mimosine toxicity for only a short time before quickly recovering, it is hypothesize that conjugation of DHP by the liver was the major detoxification pathway for these animals.
References
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Book
Forage tree legumes in tropical agriculture.
R. C. Gutteridge,Shelton H. Max +1 more
TL;DR: This book provides an introduction to fodder tree legumes for advanced students of agriculture and forestry, and describes the main genera and species concerned, including Leucaena, Sesbania, Calliandra, Acacia and Prosopis.
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Successful transfer of DHP‐degrading bacteria from Hawaiian goats to Australian ruminants to overcome the toxicity of Leucaena
R. J. Jones,R G Megarrity +1 more
TL;DR: In the absence of any disease in the animals, clearance has been given for the wider use of these cultures in areas where Leucaena is grown, and limited evidence suggests that the leucaena toxicity problem can be solved by the use ofThese introduced bacteria.
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Synergistes jonesii, gen. nov., sp.nov.: A Rumen Bacterium That Degrades Toxic Pyridinediols
TL;DR: A new genus and species designation is proposed, Synergistes jonesii, for rumen bacteria that are able to degrade the toxic compound, 3-hydroxy-4(lH)-pyridone (3,4 DHP), that is produced in the rumen from mimosine.
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Zinc is an essential trace element for spermatogenesis
Sonoko Yamaguchi,Chiemi Miura,Kazuya Kikuchi,Fritzie T. Celino,Tetsuro Agusa,Shinsuke Tanabe,Takeshi Miura +6 more
TL;DR: It is suggested that Zn is an essential trace element for the maintenance of germ cells, the progression spermatogenesis, and the regulation of sperm motility.
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Chemical constraints to the use of tropical legumes in animal nutrition
TL;DR: The scope for any significant role of leguminous leaf meals in the utrition of non-ruminant animals now appears to be limited, despite recent advances in detoxificaion, in the case of these feedingstuffs.