Legume Diets Research Articles

Liver and muscle proteolytic activity in male growing rats fed a field bean (Vicia faba L.) diet.

Total liver cathepsin A and D and gastrocnemius acid proteolytic activities have been evaluated in male growing rats fed ad libitum over periods of 15 and 30 days on 20%-protein diets containing either casein or raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) as protein sources. It has been found that, compared to the control casein-fed rats, those fed the legume diet exhibited a marked reduction (p less than 0.05) in the rate of growth and protein efficiency rate; liver proteolytic activity increased with ageing in the two dietary treatments and was found to be significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in the legume-fed rats. However, muscle proteolytic activity decreased with ageing and proved significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in the legume-fed rats.

Response of Muscle, Liver and Whole-Body Protein Turnover to Two Different Sources of Protein in Growing Rats

A significant impairment in growth rate, food efficiency and weight of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed in rats fed a raw legume as the source of protein compared to casein-fed animals. No appreciable differences in chemical composition of the carcass were found. The source of dietary protein did not influence the ratio protein/DNA, DNA concentration or protein-synthesizing capacity (RNA/protein). The slower weight gain of animals fed the legume diet was attributed to a lower muscle protein synthesis, mediated by a depression of muscle RNA activity (grams protein synthesized/gram RNA) rather than changes in myofibrillar protein breakdown. In contrast liver protein synthesis appeared to be slightly increased in the legume-fed animals.

Foliage of the tree legumes gliricidia, leucaena, and sesbania as supplement to napier grass diets for growing goats

SummaryThree experiments were conducted to determine the value of foliage from three tropical legume trees as low level protein supplements to napier grass diets for growing ‘Kacang’ goats. The average crude protein concentration in the napier grass was 12%.Napier grass and foliage of the legume trees Gliricidia maculata, Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania grandiflora were subjected to in situ microbial fermentation and subsequent treatment with acid-pepsin solution. The levels of N solubilized after 2 h incubation were 46 and 43% for napier grass and sesbania respectively, which were higher (P < 0·05) than those for gliricidia and leucaena (27%). Rates of protein disappearance between 2 and 24 h incubation in the rumen averaged 2·6%/h for the legumes and 1·0%/h for napier grass. The proportion of water-insoluble, rumendegradable protein from the legumes was larger (P < 0·05) than that from napier grass.Napier grass intake by goats supplemented with gliricidia or leucaena at 15% of the dry-matter intake from napier grass was lower (P < 0·05) than that of controls receiving no legume supplement. Napier grass intake did not differ between controls and sesbania-supplemented goats. There was no difference among diets in total dry-matter intake, intake of cell wall constituents or digestibility. Average daily gain for control goats was – 1 g/day as compared with 21 g/day for supplemented goats.The feeding of formaldehyde-treated soya-bean meal (F-SBM) as a supplement to either napier grass or napier grass–legume diets increased (P < 0·05) intake of dry matter and weight gain of goats. Napier grass intake of animals supplemented with only F-SBM was higher (P < 0·05) than that of control animals. The efficiency of N utilization from F-SBM was higher than that in the legumes, but replacement of legumes by F-SBM above 4% F-SBM feeding had no effect on weight gain or efficiency of utilization.It was concluded that napier grass of 6–8 weeks' regrowth with 12% crude protein did not provide sufficient protein for growing goats owing to inefficient protein utilization. The increase in efficiency of protein utilization on supplemented diets is mainly associated with the larger proportion of water insoluble, rumen degradable protein and possibly acid-pepsin soluble protein in tropical tree legumes.

Feeding value of subterranean clover, lucerne, phalaris and Wimmera ryegrass for lambs

The feeding values of subterranean clover, lucerne, phalaris and Wimmera ryegrass were measured in three experiments using weaned lambs. With dried herbage, the voluntary intake of each species increased linearly with organic matter digestibility over the range tested (57-83%). Regressions for the two grasses did not differ from each other, nor did those for the two legumes; a common regression for the legumes had the same slope as that for the grasses but dry matter intake was about 190 g/d greater on legume diets. Digestibility accounted for 50 and 68% of variation in intake of legumes and grasses, respectively, but when cellulose concentration in the diet was used as the predictor, a single regression satisfied all the data and accounted for 76% of variation in intake. Energy retention by weaned lambs offered diets of dried subterranean clover or lucerne was 53% greater than that by lambs receiving the same intake of metabolizable energy from phalaris. When the intake of the two legume diets was unrestricted, this difference increased to 128%. Despite the 30% higher voluntary intake of the legume diets, the weight of digesta in the reticula-rumen at the end of a meal was the same as it was for the phalaris diet. When all four species were compared in the field, with herbage amply available, lambs grazing the two legumes retained 57% more energy than those on the grasses during the main spring period when the species were of comparable digestibility. As there was little or no difference, under the conditions of this experiment, in the intake of food from the four swards, it is concluded that the difference in feeding value resulted from more efficient use of metabolizable energy. Overall, subterranean clover had as high a feeding value for lambs as lucerne, and phalaris was not inferior to Wimmera ryegrass.

Liver Proteolytic Activity in Growing Male Chickens Fed a Raw Field Bean ( Vicia faba L.) Diet

As compared to well-nourished chickens, a significant reduction (p less than 0.05) in the rate of growth, along with a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in liver activities of both cathepsin A and D has been found in growing male chickens fed ad libitum over a period of 60 days on a diet containing raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) as the main source of protein. Moreover, addition of methionine (250 mg/100 g diet) to the legume diet had no significant effect in restoring either rate of growth or liver proteolytic activity. The possible nature of these findings are briefly discussed.

Effects of Planting Schedule and Intercropping on Green Gram (Phaseolus Aureus) and Bulrush Millet (Pennisetum Americanum) in Tanzania

SUMMARYExperiments in Tanzania have shown that green gram planted one week before bulrush millet produced a complimentary protein energy balance optimal for a cereal–legume diet. Grain yields were increased due to additive intercropping (by 13%) and replacement intercropping (27%). Green gram plants were more competitive than bulrush millet plants at the seedling stage but were overpowered in later growth stages.

Physiological Effects of Legumes in the Human Diet: A Review

Legumes act as a valuable supply of protein, calcium, iron, thiamin and riboflavin in diets of people in poorer parts of the world. Added to Western diets, the contributions of legumes as replacements for animal products in terms of dietary fibre and complex carbohydrates would bring these diets closer to recommended dietary goals. For the consumer, legumes appropriately cooked, provide safe and nutritious items of the diet as well as additional health benefits. There are three main aspects to the physiological role of legumes in the diet, direct nutritional benefit, other beneficial physiological effects and anti-nutritional effects. ln this review, particular attention is given to recent advances in research and aspects of the subject not fully reviewed elsewhere.

Intestinal absorption of D-glucose, D-galactose and L-leucine in male growing rats fed a raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) diet.

Male growing rats were fed diets containing either raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) or casein as the only source of protein. Diets were fed ad libitum for 5 weeks. Body weight gain was significantly impaired, and rates of both in vivo and in vitro intestinal absorption of D-glucose, D-galactose and L-leucine were reduced, in rats fed the legume diet. The addition of methionine to the bean diet did not alter either growth or intestinal absorption rates. No significant differences in intestinal oxygen uptake were found between the treatment groups. It is suggested that the antinutritive substances contained in the raw legume Vicia faba are responsible for the inhibitory effects observed in this experiment.

Anabolic action of dianabol (17 alpha-methyl-17beta-hydroxyandrosta-1, 4-dien-3-one) on the nitrogen balance and skeletal muscle composition of rats fed on field bean (Vicia faba L.).

The addition of Dianabol (17alpha-methyl-17beta-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one) (1 mg/100 g of diet) to a diet containing raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) as the sole source of protein has been studied in young male rats, fed for two weeks on the legume diet, as compared to casein-fed animals. A significant improvement (p less than 0.02) in the biological value and net protein utilization was found in the rats fed the legume diet with Dianabol added. Furthermore, a significant reduction (p less than 0.02) in the non-protein nitrogenous fraction of the skeletal musculature, together with a significant rise (p less than 0.02) in the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar nitrogenous fractions of this musculature, was found in the rats fed the raw legume diet with Dianabol added. Serum insulin levels, significantly reduced (p less than 0.02) in the legume-fed rats, reached the values of the control group by the addition of Dianabol to the legume diet. The possible nature of these effects is discussed.

Intestinal Absorption of D-Galactose and L-Leucine and Intestinal Disaccharidase Activities in Growing Chickens Fed Different Raw Legume Diets

A significant (P<.01) impairment in the rate of growth, along with a significant (P<.01) inhibition in the rate of in vivo intestinal absorption of D-galactose and L-leucine, and in the in vitro intestinal absorption of D-galactose, was found in growing chickens fed ad libitum over a 60-day period, diets containing the raw legumes Vicia faba, Glycine soja, Vicia ervilia, and Phaseolus vulgaris as the main source of protein. Furthermore, a significant (P<.01) reduction in the intestinal disaccharidase activity was found in the legume-fed chickens. The possible nature of these effects was discussed.

Legume diets for diabetics?

Evidence from recent and older work suggests that diabetic patients would be better controlled on high rather than low carbohydrate diets. A high legume, high carbohydrate diet has recently been found to improve many of the indices of control, including postprandial blood glucose levels, possibly because of slower digestion and absorption of carbohydrate from legume meals. Intestinal side effects may however limit widespread application of such a diet.

Studies on digestibility of selected legume carbohydrates and its impact on the pH of the gastrointestinal tract in rats.

AbstractA study on the digestibility of legume carbohydrates in unprocessed and processed grain and also in the starch isolated from the grain was carried out by in vitro and in vivo methods. The legumes selected were red gram (Cajanus cajan cv. Hyd. 3A), Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum cv. BEG 482), black gram (Phaseolus mungo cv. T9) and green gram (Phaseolus aureus cv. PS 16). The processes tested were boiling, pressure cooking, roasting, germination, fermentation and parching. The digestibility in vitro was assessed on the basis of maltose released after amylolysis and digestibility in vivo was assessed on the basis of carbohydrate intake and excretion. Digestibilities of the Phaseolus varieties were superior to red gram and Bengal gram. Roasting did not improve the digestibility of any legume as much as boiling and pressure cooking. The digestibility of fermented and germinated legumes was not much higher than the legumes processed by other methods. The increasing order of digestibility in vivo was red gram &lt; Bengal gram &lt; black gram and &lt; green gram. Significant differences were noticed in the digestibility in vivo of moist and dry heat‐treated legumes, and between Phaseolus starches and red gram and Bengal gram starch. The pH values of stomach, duodenum and small intestine contents of rats fed legume diets was greater than the pH values at similar sites in rats fed casein protein, whereas the pH values in the caecum of rats fed on legume diets was acidic and that of casein‐fed rats was neutral. Caecum weight of rats fed on red gram and Bengal gram diets was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than black gram‐ and green gram‐fed groups.

Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase activity in growing male rats fed on a raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) diet.

A significant reduction (p less than 0.01) in both the rate of growth and liver protein was found in growing male rats fed ad libitum over a 5-week period on a diet containing raw field bean (Vicia faba L.) as the sole source of protein, as compared to casein-fed rats. The activity of the hepatic enzyme guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.2) as well as the urinary output of total nitrogen and creatinine were also significantly increased (p less than 0.01) in the legume-fed rats. The addition of methionine to the legume diet did not improve the antinutritive effect caused by the raw field bean. The possible nature of these effects is discussed.

Quantitative digestion of fresh herbage by sheep:V. The digestion of four herbages and prediction of sites of digestion

SUMMARYThe extents and sites of digestion of organic matter (OM), and its constituent watersoluble carbohydrates, organic acids, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and crude protein have been studied in sheep prepared with re-entrant duodenal cannulas and fed four fresh herbage diets, Ruanui perennial ryegrass, Tama Westerwolds ryegrass, Pitau white clover and Fakir sainfoin, at each of two levels of intake.The water-soluble carbohydrate, organic acids and pectin of all diets were almost completely digested within the rumen. Some 10% of water soluble carbohydrate reached the duodenum on each diet, though this may not have been of dietary origin. Only on legume diets, where pectin concentration was higher, did measurable amounts of pectin reach the intestine, accounting for some 5% of the pectin.Hemicellulose and cellulose digestibilities differed between diets, being lowest for sainfoin, and next lowest for clover. Between 79 and 94% of digestible hemicellulose was digested in the stomach, but diet and intake had no significant effect on this partition. Of the digestible cellulose, 87–97% was digested in the stomach.Digestibility of N was lowest for sainfoin and highest for Tama ryegrass. There were no significant differences between herbage species or intake in the percentage of digested N digested in the stomach or intestines. The tannin contained in sainfoin had no effect on nitrogen digestion.Data from this and other studies reported in the literature were examined as a basis for establishing prediction equations whereby the partition of digestion of the major carbohydrate and nitrogenous constituents in stomach and intestines might be estimated from data obtainable from standard digestibility trials. Regressions were developed for predicting the amounts of OM, cellulose, and hemicellulose digested in the stomach. There are not yet enough suitable data available to predict the amount of nitrogen entering the small intestine.

The relationship between apparent retention time in the rumen, voluntary intake, and apparent digestibility of legume and grass diets in sheep

Eight grasses and six legumes were fed ad libitum at hourly intervals to wethers fitted with large rumen fistulas to determine voluntary intake, apparent digestibility, and the apparent retention time of organic matter in the rumen, as well as the quantity of rumen digesta and the organic matter content of the rumen digesta. The voluntary intake of legumes was 28% higher than that of equally digestible grasses. This difference was caused by a shorter retention time (17%) and a higher amount of organic matter (14%) in the rumen digesta from legume diets than from grass diets. The weight of wet digesta in the rumen of sheep fed on legumes was 7% lower than from those fed on grass. Neither the quantity of digesta nor the quantity of organic matter in the rumen was related to the voluntary intake, digestibility, or retention time of organic matter in the rumen. Number of jaw movements each day and rate of cotton thread digestion were not related to the retention time of the diets either. Daily intake of digestible organic matter (DOMI, g/day) was closely correlated with retention time (RTOM, hr) for the feeds in this study (r = –0.93) and the same relation applied to both temperate and tropical feeds, viz. DOMI = 1276–50.7 RTOM (r=0.96) Differences in voluntary intake between grasses and legumes were attributed to differences in retention time and the density to which the food was packed in the rumen.

The uptake of strontium and calcium from soils by grasses and legumes and the possible significance in relation to SR-90 fallout

In view of the nature of much of the evidence on which future world-wide radioactivity levels have been predicted, and also the possibility of increased bomb testing, reactor accidents, or even atomic warfare, it seemed desirable to determine if species differences existed in forage plants, such that some might take up less strontium from the soil than others. Sixteen species and strains of forage legumes and grasses were grown on three different soils, similar in texture and pH but varying in strontium and calcium content. The plant tops and the soils were analyzed for strontium and calcium. A method was developed, using X-ray emission spectrography, for the analysis of strontium. The results indicate three significant features: 1) Every legume species rakes up more strontium than any grass; 2) within either the grasses or the legumes the variation in strontium content between species and varieties is not marked; and 3) the amount of stronrium taken up is directly related to the calcium taken up. A grass diet for dairy cows has an advantage over a legume diet in that both strontium and calcium levels are lower, and a higher calcium supplement can be added to the grass diet to greatly decrease the Sr/Ca ratio before calcium toxicity results. It seems reasonable that the strontium (or Sr-90) content of milk can be reduced by a factor of about 8 when cows are fed grass supplemented with calcium.