Mucuna Seeds Research Articles

Nutritive Evaluation Of Variously Treated Mucuna Seeds As Feed For Ruminants

Mucuna as a feed has great ability to serve as a source of energy and protein in dry season feeds due to the fact that it has high crude protein content comparable to other well known legumes. The study was designed to evaluate the nutritive compositions of Mucuna beans subjected to various treatments. The treatments that the Mucuna beans were subjected to include: roasting, boiling, autoclaving and raw, thereafter, the chemical analysis of the variously treated beans was determined. Similarly, the invitro gas production was determined. The results showed significant differences in the roasted beans for all the parameters determined. Invitro gas production showed boiled, autoclaved and raw beans to be more utilizable as sheep feed than the roasted form. Heat treatment made the protein content in beans steadily unavailable for ruminant use as such Mucuna can gradually serve as a source of energy for ruminants especially in dry season when there is scarcity of energy sources for ruminants.

Nutrient digestibility of Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) bean in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris, L): Effects of heat treatment and levels of incorporation in diets

1. Mucuna pruriens var. utilis is a legume, the seeds of which are scarcely used in animal diets owing to their high content of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-Dopa). 2. Experiments were conducted on guinea fowl to assess the effects of two types of heat processing (cooking and toasting) on chemical composition and nutrient digestibility of Mucuna seeds offered alone or incorporated at three concentrations (40, 120 or 200 g/kg) in complete diets. 3. Diets containing 200 g/kg seeds had more crude fibre and less ether extract. L-Dopa content increased with the amount of Mucuna inclusion. Cooking reduced markedly L-Dopa content while toasting had no effect. When fed alone, Mucuna seeds dramatically decreased feed intake. 4. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were not influenced by the complete diets. Cooking significantly increased crude fibre digestibility. 5. It is suggested that cracked and cooked Mucuna bean can be incorporated at a safe level of 120 g/kg in complete diets for guinea fowl production.

Evaluation of Raw and Boiled Velvet Bean (Mucuna utilis) as Feed Ingredient for Broiler Chickens

3 Abstract: Chemical analysis and a performance trial were carried out to determine the effect of boilin g Mucuna utilis seeds on their proximate composition, minerals assay and amino acid profile, level of antinutritional factors and blood seral and haematological parameters of finisher broiler chickens. Four types of mucuna seed meal were prepared. Type 1 was prepared from raw seeds, types 2, 3 and 4 were from seeds soaked in water for 24 h and then boiled in water for 20, 40 and 60 min respectively. The four dietary treatments had 20% inclusion of the four types of mucuna seed meal respectively. A four week feeding trial was conducted using one hundred and twenty, five week old, broiler birds averaging 590 gm live weight. Results of the study show that raw mucuna seeds are a good source of nutrients. Increase in boiling time significantly (p<0.05) reduced the crude protein content, phosphorus, iron, selenium, methionine, cystine, lysi, isoleucine, alanine, tyrosine and threonine content. Concentration of antinutritional factors in the seeds were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. Significant (p<0.05) improvements in feed: gain and protein efficiency ratios with a corresponding increase in mean daily weight gain were observed as the boiling time increased. At the end of the experiment, the haematological parameters revealed no significant differences among treatments in the levels of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts, mean corpuscular volume (MHV) and Mean corpuscuscular Haemoglobin concentration (McHc). Similarly, albumin, globulin, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase estimated were found to be insignificantly varied with the exception of total protein.

Composition and functional properties of raw and electron beam‐irradiated Mucuna pruriens seeds

SummaryThe proximate, nutritional and functional properties of raw and electron beam‐irradiated (0–30 kGy) Mucuna seeds were investigated. Irradiation increased crude protein and crude carbohydrates significantly than crude lipid, crude fibre and energy. Raw seeds were rich in minerals and were not affected by irradiation except for magnesium and phosphorus. Amino acids of raw seeds were comparable to soyabean and FAO/WHO reference pattern and except for 30 kGy, no significant changes were seen in amino acid profile. Raw seeds were rich in unsaturated fatty acids and some of them decreased on irradiation, while linoleic acid steadily elevated (0–14.35 mg g−1 lipid). In vitro protein digestibility was dose dependent and significantly increased up to 15 kGy. Water and oil absorption capacities and foaming capacity significantly increased on irradiation, while protein solubility decreased (15 and 30 kGy) with an improvement of gelation property of seed flour. The cooking time of seeds significantly reduced on irradiation.

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 3. Effect of replacing soybean meal with Mucuna on intake, digestibility, N balance and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

Mucuna pruriens seeds have relatively high crude protein (CP) concentrations, but little is known about their potential to replace commonly used CP supplements in ruminant rations. The aim of this experiment was to determine effects of replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna on the performance of lambs. Forty Rambouillet lambs (33.2 ± 5.73 kg) fed a basal diet of maize grain, cottonseed hulls and urea were randomly assigned to one of four supplements formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or 1000 g/kg (Hi) of soybean meal with rolled Mucuna seeds. Lambs were housed individually in metabolic crates and allowed ad libitum access to isocaloric (metabolizable energy=11.7 MJ/kg dry matter, DM) and isonitrogenous (CP = 146 g/kg, DM) diets for 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of total fecal collection. Fecal egg counts and coccidian oocyst scores were determined on d 14. Dry matter intake (1.7 kg/d versus 1.5 kg/d; P<0.05), CP digestibility (774 g/kg versus 714 g/kg DM; P<0.05) and N retention (28.0 g/d versus 20.4 g/d; P<0.01) were higher and amylase-pretreated neutral detergent fiber digestibility (617 g/kg versus 686 g/kg DM) was lower (P<0.05) in sheep fed SB versus Mucuna diets. However, supplementary protein source did not affect rumen pH, blood urea N or glucose concentration, or fecal egg counts. Increasing the level of Mucuna supplementation increased (P<0.05) level and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, ruminal fluid acidity, total volatile fatty acid concentration, decreased (P<0.05) coccidian oocyst scores, and tended (P<0.10) to increase N retention. Therefore, SB is a better supplement than Mucuna to support performance of lambs. Nevertheless, Mucuna seeds are a promising CP supplement for situations where cost or availability precludes use of SB in ruminant rations.

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 4. Does replacing soybean meal with Mucuna pruriens in lamb diets affect ruminal, blood and tissue l-dopa concentrations?

The harmful effects of the 3,4-dihydroxy- l-phenylalanine ( l-dopa) in Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seeds have limited its use as a protein supplement for monogastrics and humans. Little is known about the extent of metabolism of Mucuna l-dopa in ruminants or its accumulation in ruminant tissues consumed as food by humans. This study aimed to determine if replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna increases concentrations of l-dopa in rumen fluid, blood and muscle tissue of lambs. Twenty-seven RM lambs (RM; initial body weight, BW = 33.8 ± 5.44 kg) and 12 Florida Native (FN; initial BW = 24.9 ± 8.63 kg) lambs were assigned to four treatments and fed a basal diet of coastal bermudagrass hay, corn grain, and liquid molasses for 42 (FN) or 49 days (RM) and then slaughtered. Dietary supplements were formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or at least 1000 (Hi) g/kg of SB with rolled Mucuna seeds ( l-dopa, 24 g/kg dry matter, DM). Body weight was measured weekly and carcass characteristics and concentrations of l-dopa in rumen fluid, blood and the sterno-mandibularis muscle were measured at slaughter when concentrations of blood urea N, glucose, haptoglobin and cerruloplasmin were also measured. Lambs fed SB had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed Mucuna (0.20 versus 0.15 kg/day for RM; 0.21 versus 0.14 kg/day for FN). However, concentrate protein source did not affect dressing and concentrations of blood urea N, or blood glucose. Feeding the Hi diet versus the SB diet did not increase concentrations of blood cerruloplasmin, or l-dopa or concentrations of l-dopa metabolites in blood. No l-dopa was found in the ruminal fluid of the lambs and l-dopa concentrations in the sterno-mandibularis muscle were low ( i.e., <5 ng l-dopa/g), and unaffected (P>0.05) by diet. Ingested Mucuna l-dopa was extensively metabolized in lambs, and did not accumulate to toxic levels in muscle tissues.

Nutritional quality evaluation of velvet bean seeds (Mucuna pruriens) exposed to gamma irradiation

Effects of gamma irradiation on Mucuna pruriens seeds at various doses (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 30 kGy) on the proximate composition, mineral constituents, amino acids, fatty acids and functional properties were investigated. Gamma irradiation resulted in a significant increase of crude protein at all doses, while the crude lipid, crude fibre and ash showed a dose-dependent decrease. Raw Mucuna seeds were rich in minerals (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and selenium). Sodium, copper and manganese were significantly decreased on irradiation at all the doses, while magnesium and iron showed a significant decrease only above 10 kGy. The essential amino acids of raw and gamma-irradiated Mucuna seeds were comparable with the FAO/WHO recommended pattern. A significant increase of in vitro protein digestibility was seen in seeds irradiated at 30 kGy. High amounts of unsaturated fatty acids in Mucuna seeds decreased significantly after irradiation. However, linoleic acid was not present in raw seeds but detected after irradiation and it was elevated to high level at 30 kGy. Behenic acid, a major anti-nutritional factor, was reduced significantly on irradiation, indicating the positive effect of gamma irradiation on Mucuna seeds. Significant enhancement in the water absorption and oil absorption capacities, protein solubility, emulsion activity and improvement in the gelation capacity was recorded after irradiation. Results of the present investigation reveal that application of gamma irradiation does not affect the overall nutritional composition and can be used as an effective method of preservation of Mucuna seed and their products.

Growth and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed water soaked and cooked velvet bean (Mucuna utilis) meal

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary raw and soaked and cooked velvet beans, Mucuna utilis on the performance of broiler chickens. Two batches of raw Mucuna seeds were used. The first batch of seeds was used raw. The second batch was soaked for 24 h, subdivided into four parts and cooked for 0, 20, 40 and 60 min before sun-drying and milling. All the meals were analyzed for their proximate composition and included in the test diets at 20% dietary levels. The control diet contained no Mucuna meal. One hundred and eighty, 7 –day old Anak(R) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and replicated three times. At 20% dietary level, raw M. utilis seed meal significantly (P<0.05) depressed the performance of the birds in terms of feed intake, growth rate and feed conversion ratio. Consumption of soaked Mucuna seed meal reduced body weight gain similar to the raw Mucuna seed meal diet. However, soaking and cooking the seeds for 1 h allowed the birds to efficiently (P<0.05) utilize the feed comparable to the maize-soybean control diet. Weight of the gizzard, pancrease, liver, proventriculus as well as the lengths of small and large intestine and the caeca increased in birds fed the raw Mucuna seed meal diet. Most of these effects were partially or completely reversed by soaking and cooking Mucuna seed for 1 h.

Free radicals in velvet bean seeds ( Mucuna pruriens L. DC.) and their status after γ-irradiation and conventional processing

Free radicals in velvet bean seeds, a nutarceutically valued legume were examined by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The status of free radicals present naturally, after irradiation and conventional processing were recorded by entrapping small quantities of seed samples in potassium chloride powder in ESR quartz tubes. The ESR signal at g=2.0055(±0.0001) were more prominent in seed coat than cotyledon portion. Gamma irradiation of seeds (for hygienization and quarantine purposes) at different doses (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 30 kGy) resulted in a dose-dependent increase of signal intensity at g=2.0055 in seed coat as well as in cotyledon. In seed coat, a weak triplet (satellite peak) accompanied the central line. This satellite peak (left line ‘ g’) can be used as an authentic indication of radiation treatment of Mucuna seeds and can be employed as one of the detection methods for similarly irradiated legume seeds possessing prominent seed coat. In cotyledon, irradiation at high doses (15 and 30 kGy) showed a significant reduction of the ESR signals ( P<0.05), which has been attributed to possible increase in free radical scavengers (particularly polyphenols). Some of the common processing practices such as microwave roasting, flame heating and pounding also generated free radicals similar to irradiation treatments. Results of the present study substantiate the suitability of employing ESR technique for detection of free radicals present naturally or produced after radiation and conventional processing. The results of this study might also be feasible for successful application of gamma irradiation of Mucuna seeds for quarantine purposes.

Effect of ionizing radiation on antinutritional features of velvet bean seeds ( Mucuna pruriens)

Impact of gamma irradiation on the antinutritional constituents of seeds of Mucuna pruriens was assessed on exposing to doses of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 15 and 30 kGy. Except for 2.5 kGy, the rest showed significant dose-dependent increase in phenolics. Tannin concentration did not differ significantly up to 7.5 kGy, while it significantly increased at higher doses. Excluding 2.5 kGy, the rest of the treatments showed significant decreases in the phytic acid and complete degradation was attained at 15 and 30 kGy. The l-DOPA concentration showed a dose-dependent decline. A trace amount of hemagglutination activity was seen on human erythrocytes in raw seeds, which was completely absent on irradiation (>5 kGy). Concentration of Polonium-210, a natural radionuclide falls within the admissible limits for consumption. As Mucuna seeds serve as food, feed or as pharmaceuticals, it may be necessary to set the ionizing radiation to a specific dose to retain optimum levels or to eliminate phenolics, tannins, phytic acid and L-DOPA. As irradiation is a physical and cold process, it may be ideal and emerge as an important technique to improve the nutritional or pharmaceutical quality of Mucuna seeds and its products.

Effect of mucuna intercropped with maize on soil fertility and yield of maize

Two field trials were used to evaluate the effect of mucuna (Mucuna utilis) intercropped with maize (Zea mays L.) on soil fertility and maize yield. In Experiment I, mucuna seeds were sown at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP) of maize. A basal application of 50 kg N/ha was administered. These treatments were compared with control (no fertilizer, no mucuna), sole application of 50 and 100 kg N/ha. In Experiment II, complementary application of 0, 50 and 100 kg N/ha with incorporation of mucuna biomass, which was sown in the previous year, were administered to maize. The results showed that intercropping of maize with mucuna at planting (0 WAP) recorded averagely 46, 60 and 87 per cent of the yields for maize that received 100, 50 and 0 kg N/ha alone, respectively. The maize yield increased as sowing date of mucuna was delayed. Undersowing of mucuna at 6 and 8 WAP with application of 50 kg N/ha resulted in 30-62 per cent higher yield than at 0-4 WAP, and was comparable (91%) with application of 100 kg N/ha. It also had residual effect of average yield increase of 52 per cent over the latter. Soil analysis showed positive residual effect on soil fertility. Planting of mucuna under maize raised the organic C, exchangeable Ca and Mg by 81, 14 and 28 per cent, respectively, when compared with the chemically fertilized soil. The soil N and P levels also showed 48 and 25 per cent increase, respectively. Complementary application of 50 kg N/ha with incorporation of mucuna biomass increased plant height, biomass weight, and grain yield of maize by 18, 23 and 31 per cent, respectively, compared with incorporation of mucuna alone. The former was equally effective as the complementary use of 100 kg N/ha. The results suggest that undersowing of mucuna in relay with maize could be a good practice for sustaining soil fertility in a cerealbased cropping system. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 37 2004: 15-22

PROTEIN EXTRACTABILITY, FRACTIONATION AND AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF SOME LEGUMINOUS SEEDS FOUND IN NIGERIA

Protein content in eight minor legume seeds grown in Nigeria was determined, and protein was fractionated into albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin. Seed protein concentrates (SPC) were prepared from legume seeds; and extractabilities of protein N, total N content, yield and the amino acid profiles are reported. The globulins and glutelins were the major fractions. Mucuna seeds (velvet bean) appear to be the most promising species for obtaining SPC based on the high values for extractability of SPC, protein N and total N. Amino acid composition shows that the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine + cysteine, were the most limiting amino acids in the seed proteins. Lysine content (9.12 g/100 g) of Mucuna seeds was high. Prosopis africana (mesquite bean) contains remarkably high levels of methionine and lysine (3.55 and 6.50 g/100 g protein, respectively), which make it a good potential supplement to the starchy tuber and cereal diets of the local population. It was concluded that Milletia thonningii, Adenanthera pavonina (coral seeds), Lonchocarpus sericeus and Mucuna seeds have a promising potential as sources of low-cost protein for possible use as food/feed supplements.

Observations on the Pathophysiology of Weaner Pigs Fed Raw and Preheated Nigerian Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean) Seeds

Aspects of the pathophysiological responses of weaner pigs fed raw and cracked-soaked and cooked Nigerian M. pruriens seed meals were investigated using twenty-five large white x land race weaner pigs with weights ranging from 17 to 22 kg in a 56 days (8 weeks) experiment. Raw Mucuna meal (RMM) and cracked soaked and cooked meal (CSCM) were incorporated into weaner pigs diets at 15% and 20, 30 and 40%levels respectively and tested against a control diet with 0% Mucuna meal. The results revealed that raw Nigerian Mucuna seeds is poisonous to pigs at 15% dietary inclusion level and significantly (P<0.5) affected the hematological and serum biochemical indices of the pigs. It resulted in 40% mortality among this group with dead animals manifesting lung collapse, emaciation serous atrophy of fat and enlarged urinary bladder at post-mortem. Preheated Mucuna seed meal, however proved safe for pigs at different dietary inclusion levels but did not improve most of the hematological and serum biochemical parameters measured. Pigs fed Mucuna bean diets had significantly (P<0.05) elevated levels of serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine and polymorphs but decreased levels of eosinophils and monocytes when compared with the control group. At 15% dietary level of raw seed, the pigs had statistically similar total serum protein, serum calcium, K , + HCO , total white blood cell and lymphocytes but significantly (P<0.05) increased hemoglobin concentration 3 - when compared with the control. Increasing the dietary levels of the preheated seeds also resulted in reduced weight gains among the pigs. This study therefore suggests that raw Mucuna bean is poisonous to weaner pigs but relatively safe after preheats treatment. However, changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters indicated poor nutrient utilization and muscle damage among pigs receiving higher levels of preheated seeds.

Comparative nutritional evaluation of differentially processed mucuna seeds [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall ex Wight) Baker ex Burck] on growth performance, feed utilization and body composition in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

A fish feeding trial was conducted in a warm-water recirculating system for 8 weeks to assess the nutritive value of processed mucuna seeds as a dietary protein replacement for fish meal in practical diets of tilapia. Diets 2–6 contained mucuna seeds processed as follows: raw, soaked in water, soaked in sodium bicarbonate solution (0.07%), soaked in ascorbic acid solution (0.1%) or soaked in water containing 3% of freeze-dried moringa leaf powder, followed by autoclaving. The mucuna seed meals were then used to replace 25% of the total dietary protein in each diet. The performance of fish fed these diets was compared with fish fed a fish meal-based control diet (diet 1), which contained 35% protein. All diets were prepared to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Each treatment had three replicates, using seven fish per aquarium, with a mean initial body weight of 3.9 ± 0.06 g. Fish were fed five times about their maintenance level (3.0 g feed × body weight (kg)−0.8 day−1), and no mortality was observed during the experiment. The growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein productive value of fish fed diets 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were similar. However, with regard to energy retention and apparent net lipid utilization, the values observed in fish fed diet 1 were similar to those of fish fed diets 5 and 6, and diet 6, and significantly higher than other dietary groups. Fish fed diet 2 showed a significantly (P < 0.05) reduced growth performance, higher carcass moisture and ash contents, and lower levels of lipid and energy compared with all other dietary groups. Fish fed diet 2 had a significantly lower plasma cholesterol level compared with other diets. However, no significant variation of muscle cholesterol was found between the dietary groups. Even though the hepato-somatic index of the fish fed diets 3, 4, 5 and 6 was significantly lower than diet 1, these values appeared to be significantly higher compared with fish fed diet 2. The present study indicates that the inclusion of mucuna seed meal (replacement of 25% of total dietary protein of feed) after soaking in any one of the tested solutions followed by autoclaving significantly improved the growth performance and feed utilization of tilapia compared with that of the raw seeds. Moreover, these values were similar to the performance obtained with the fish meal-based control diet 1. This might be due to the relative reduction of anti-nutrients, particularly the non-protein amino acid 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, and increased palatability and nutrient availability of processed beans.

Differences in the Effects of Temperature and Photoperiod on Progress to Flowering among Diverse Mucuna spp.

The use of Mucuna spp. in cover crop and green manure technologies is proving to be successful in the tropics and subtropics following intensive efforts in technology transfer to farmers by NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations). This includes the transfer of seeds of Mucuna spp. for which the range of adaptation and the effect of environment on crop phenology are poorly understood. A selection of Mucuna spp. germplasm was evaluated over a range of contrasting photothermal conditions in controlled-environment glasshouses. Dates of emergence and first flowering were recorded. Where possible, triple-plane rate of development models were fitted to the first flowering data to quantify the relative sensitivity of each species to photoperiod and temperature. All accessions showed short-day responses but there were substantial differences in the sensitivity of rate of progress to first flowering to environment, particularly to photoperiod. This results in differences in maturity period between accessions which, with appropriate understanding, could be functionally exploited by NGOs and NARS. However, if ignored, it could result in the promotion and use of accessions ill adapted to the environment in which they are tested. In consequence there might be unnecessary resistance from farmers to the adoption of green manure and cover crops technologies which are vital to the design and maintenance of sustainable farming systems in low-income countries in the tropics.

Farmers' adoptability of Mucuna fallowing and agroforestry technologies in the coastal savanna of Benin

As technologies to counter soil fertility decline, alley farming with Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, annual short-season Mucuna pruriëns var. Utilis fallowing, and perennial Acacia auriculiformis fallowing have been tested. With alley farming, timely pruning is a critical element in farmers' capacity to match on-station yield levels: 55% of the farmers who delayed pruning suffered about 60% yield losses. Farmers are now comparing a new alley band concept, grouping trees in bands 20 m apart with five times less tree/crop competition. However, an improved planted fallow of A. auriculiformis to regenerate exhausted soils grew a great deal in popularity because of quick regeneration of yields and a profitable bonus of good quality firewood. Mucuna, which was grown by 15 farmers in 1987 for Imperata control, is now known by almost 100 000 farmers. The regular use for soil fertility enhancement is, however, hampered by the lack of known uses for mucuna products. We developed recently a farmer-applicable detoxifying method for mucuna seeds, allowing incorporation of protein-rich mucuna flour into main staple dishes in Benin. We highlight the essential impact of farmer interaction on the course of experimentation, results and adoption.

L-Dopa in Legume Seeds: A Chemical Barrier to Insect Attack

Seeds of the genus Mucuna display both a remarkable immunity to attack by seed-eating insects and an unustially high concentration of free L-dopa. When seed powders or pure L-dopa were incorporated into artificial diets and fed to southern armyworm larvae, mortality increased, and abnormal pupae and adults resulted. At higher concentrations L-dopa acted as a feeding repellent.