Vetch Seeds Research Articles

Pisum & Ervilia Tetovac: Made in Early Iron Age Leskovac, Part two: Extraction of the ancient DNA from charred seeds from the site of Hissar in South Serbia

The extracts were prepared from the samples of 3,200-year-old charred pea and bitter vetch seeds from the site of Hissar near Leskovac, South Serbia, using two different DNA extraction procedures. We used CTAB method with some modification and obtained low quantity of ancient DNA in comparison with the second method used - commercial available kit. After the extraction, a whole genome amplification using Phi29 DNA polymerase was performed. The amplified DNAs were used for PCR reaction using primers for 26S rDNA gene, which is located on the nuclear genome. The single band corresponding to 26S rDNA fragment from modern relatives was obtained. We conclude that DNA from charred pea and vetch seed can be extracted and used for further archaeobotanical analysis at the molecular level.

Effect of exogenous abscisic acid on accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl cyclitols in tiny vetch seeds (Vicia hirsuta [L.] S.F. Gray)

The role of the abscisic acid (ABA) in biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and galactosyl cyclitols (Gal-C) in tiny vetch (<em>Vicia hirsuta</em> [L.] S.F. Gray) seeds was investigated. The ABA was applied through incubation of seed at various stage of its development. The level of RFOs and Gal-C was determined in seed maturing on plant and in seed maturing in vitro. In early stages of <em>V. hirsuta</em> seed development, the ABA activated the biosynthesis of galactinol, although the level of arisen galactinol quickly declined. In the later stages of <em>V. hirsuta</em> seed development ABA had stimulatory effect of RFOs and Gal-C biosynthesis. Influence of ABA on biosynthesis of a-galactosides in <em>Vicia hirsuta</em> seed seems to be dependent on abscisic acid concentration. Low concentration of ABA had stimulatory effect on a-galactosides biosynthesis, but high concentration of ABA inhibited the process.

Biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl pinitols in developing and maturing seeds of winter vetch (Vicia vlllosa Roth.)

Changes in the accumulation of two types of α-D-galactosides: raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl pinitols were compared with changes in the activities of galactosyltransferases during winter vetch (<em>Vicia villosa</em> Roth.) seed development and maturation. Occurrence of galactinol and raffinose in young seeds and changes in activities of galactinol synthase and raffinose synthase during seed development indicated that formation of raffinose oligosaccharides (RFOs) preceded synthesis of galactopinitols. Although transfer of galactose residues into raffinose oligosaccharides increased as seeds were maturing, at late stages of seed maturation the accumulation of galactopinitols was preferred to that of RFOs. In the present study, activities of enzymes transferring galactose moieties from galactinol to D-pinitol forming galactopinitol A, and further transfer of galactose moieties from galactinol to mono- and di-galactopinitol A were detected throughout seed development and maturation. This is a new observation, indicating biological potential of winter vetch seeds to synthesize mono-, di- and tri-galactosides of D-pinitol in a pathway similar to RFOs. The pattern of changes in activities of stachyose synthase and enzymes synthesizing galactopinitols (named galactopinitol A synthase and ciceritol synthase) suggests that formation of stachyose, mono- and di-galactopinitol A (ciceritol) is catalyzed by one enzyme. High correlation between activities of verbascose synthase and enzyme catalyzing synthesis of tri-galactopinitol A from galactinol and ciceritol (named tri-galactopinitol A synthase) also suggests that biosynthesis of both types of tri-galactosides was catalyzed by one enzyme, but distinct from stachyose synthase. Changes in concentrations of galactosyl acceptors (sucrose and D-pinitol) can be a factor which regulates splitting of galactose moieties between both types of galactosides in winter vetch seeds.

Inhibition of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl pinitols breakdown delays germination of winter vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) seeds

Beside RFOs, which are commonly present in legume seeds, seeds of some species contain galactosyl pinitols (GPs). These carbohydrates, like RFOs, have been hypothesized to constitute an important energy and carbon skeletal source during germination. To test this hypothesis we have applied a specific α-galactosidase inhibitor (1-deoxygalactonojirimycin, DGJ) to germinating winter vetch (<em>Vicia villosa</em> Roth.) seeds, containing more galactosyl pinitols than RFOs. The breakdown of RFOs but not that of GPs was completely blocked in both embryonic axes and cotyledons tissues, during the first 18 h of imbibition in DGJ. The inhibitor only decreased the rate of GPs degradation. The inhibitory effect of DGJ on GPs degradation was partially alleviated by addition of sucrose or galactose to DGJ solutions. After three days of germination in water, RFOs and GPs disappeared in axial tissues of seeds imbibed in water, galactose or sucrose. Eighteen-hour imbibition of seeds in DGJ drastically reduced germination, by ca 50%, during the first three days. The inhibitory effect of DGJ decreased during the next seven days of germination. The presence of galactose or sucrose in imbibition solution initially stimulated seed germination, but later this effect was not statistically significant. Our study provides clear evidence that galactosyl pinitols play an important role in early winter vetch seeds germination. Additionally, we suggest that galactosyl pinitols can replace RFOs as reserve material necessary for early germination.

Effect of seed coating on plant growth and soil conditions: A preliminary study for restoration of degraded rangeland in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China

AbstractRangeland degradation is a significant problem in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China. Restoration of the degraded rangelands through reseeding is being undermined by poor seedling growth under adverse soil moisture and nutrition conditions. Accordingly, seeds of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus) were coated with a mixture of hygroscopic and plant‐derived polysaccharide gums and alga powder (Phaeocystis sp. necolon‐1), and inoculated with spores of microorganisms (Aspergillus sp. and Streptomyces sp.), serving as coating mixture decomposers, in order to improve rhizosphere moisture and nutrition. In a growth chamber simulating spring climate on the Plateau, seedling emergence of the coated seeds was 60–80 and 48–82%, respectively, for the two plant species in comparison to 38 and 24% for the uncoated seeds, which was due to moisture being supplied by the coat. In the outdoor pots with soil texture and moisture conditions similar to those of the degraded rangelands on the Plateau, dry weight of the plants from the coated seeds was 109–184 and 118–156 mg plant−1 for the respective plant species, while that of the plants from uncoated seeds was 18–20 and 10–11 mg plant−1. The number of Rhizobium sp. nodules on Chinese milk vetch plants from the coated seeds was 21–25 plant−1 while 0–2 in plants from uncoated seeds. Enhancement of plant growth was caused by increased activity of soil microbes. Plant growth on the soil after sampling plants from the coated seeds was also enhanced, indicating sustainability of improvement of soil conditions. Thus seed coating with hygroscopic nutrient‐source materials and inoculation with microorganism spores as slow decomposers of the coating materials is a promising method for restoring degraded rangelands.

Mitigation of Seed Germination Impediments in Hairy Vetch

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is a promising winter cover crop for northern climates, but germination can be limited by low soil moisture conditions. Farmers may be reluctant to use hairy vetch, concerned that hard seed will emerge as weeds in succeeding crops. This work examines germination, dormancy, and viability of hairy vetch seeds from nine commercial seed sources, and evaluates the effects of mechanical scarification and ambient temperature hydropriming on the degree of hard‐seededness, germination, seed viability and seedling vigor in a range of simulated soil moisture conditions. Hydropriming increased germination by 5% across seed sources and water potentials, but reduced seedling growth by 16%. Mechanical scarification eliminated all hard‐seededness, but increased physiologically dormant seed by ∼5% and nonviable seed by ∼2% and reduced seedling growth by 39%. This work indicates that pretreatments may increase germination and reduce hard‐seededness, but reduce seed viability and seedling vigor in some seed sources.

Effect of cooking and methionine supplementation on nutritional value of bitter vetch seed as a feed ingredient for broilers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of applying heat treatment and methionine (Met) supplementation to improve the use of bitter vetch (BV) as a feed ingredient in the growth diet of broilers. A total of 540 Ross-308 chicks were fed various BV-supplemented diets between the ages of 35 and 49days. The chicks were assigned randomly to one of nine experimental treatments, including raw and cooked bitter vetch seeds at two levels (100 and 200g/kg) with or without Met (210mg/kg) supplement and a corn-soybean-based diet as control. Results showed that feeding the 200-g/kg raw BV decreased feed intake by 52% in relation to the control diet (P < 0.05). Cooking the BV did not improve the feed intake. Met supplementation of 100g/kg raw or cooked BV and 200g/kg cooked BV resulted to a similar feed intake in the control group. Chicks fed with the 200g/kg raw BV had an average depressed body weight gain of 90% in comparison to the birds fed with the control diet. The combination of cooking and Met supplementation of this diet resulted to a similar body weight gain to the control diet. Feeding 100g/kg of raw or cooked BV also reduced (P < 0.05) body weight gain, and Met supplementation of these diets resulted in a body weight gain similar to the control group. Chicks fed with 100g/kg of raw or cooked BV supplemented with Met or 200g/kg of cooked BV plus Met has similar feed conversion ratio to the control group. In conclusion, heating BV seeds is not sufficient to overcome the limiting effects of BV seeds on feed intake and weight gain, and that Met supplementation does provide some improvement. The combination of cooking and Met supplementation was more efficient.

Cyclitols affect accumulation of α-d-galactosides in developing Vicia seeds

The mechanism preferentially regulating accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) or galactosyl cyclitols in legume seeds still remains unknown. The broad range of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl pinitols in the composition of seeds of Vicia genus gives researchers an exceptional opportunity for investigations on relationships in biosynthesis of both types of α-d-galactosides. Feeding explants of Vicia species radically different in the composition of RFOs and galactosyl pinitols with basic galactose acceptors, sucrose (for RFOs) or cyclitols (for galactosyl cyclitols) can be a helpful method for assessment of their regulatory role in accumulation of α-d-galactosides in seeds. Garden vetch (Vicia sativa L.) seeds, naturally accumulating RFOs, demonstrated an ability to take up and use exogenously applied d-pinitol and d-chiro-inositol for synthesis of their mono-, di- and tri-galactosides. Together with the accumulation of new galactosides, the concentration of RFOs decreased. In fine-leaved (Vicia tenuifolia Roth.) vetch seeds such a remarkably high concentration of galactosyl pinitols (GPs) was discovered that they nearly replaced RFOs, which is unique among legumes. If the accumulation of both types of galactosides is correlated with concentration of galactose acceptors, elevated levels of sucrose or myo-inositol should promote accumulation of RFOs, instead of GPs. Unexpectedly, feeding fine-leaved vetch raceme explants with myo-inositol or sucrose promoted accumulation of GPs, but not of RFOs. Our comparison of accumulation and biosynthesis of both types of galactosides (RFOs and GPs) throughout development and maturation of seeds from fine-leaved vetch has indicated that preferential accumulation of GPs is associated with the drying of seeds during maturation. Different patterns in activities of enzymes engaged in RFOs’ biosynthetic pathway and galactosyltransferases involved in biosynthesis of GPs indicated that distinct forms of enzymes can operate in both pathways. The feeding of explants with d-chiro-inositol causes accumulation of fagopyritols B1 in seeds of both Vicia species, which suggests presence of the same or a similar form of galactinol synthase. Accumulation of fagopyritols in fine-leaved vetch seeds did not affect accumulation of RFOs or galactosyl pinitols.

Application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for the estimation of protein and L-canavanine contents in seeds of one-flowered vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.)

In this work it has been evaluated the effectiveness of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the estimation of two constituents affecting the nutritional quality of the seeds of one-flowered vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.): protein and L-canavanine, a toxic non-protein amino acid. The NIRS calibrations showed good statistics with coefficients of multiple determination (R2) of 0.97 for total protein and 0.95 for L-canavanine. The developed equations were further used to estimate the contents of protein and L-canavanine of a set of unknown samples (external validation). The equation for total protein was able to predict with an accuracy similar to that of the reference method showing a correlation (r2) between the reference and predicted values of 0.95. In the case of L-canavanine, r2 was only 0.72 and the equation was only effective to discriminate samples into groups of low, medium and high contents.

Effect of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) seeds as a replacement protein source of soybean meal on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Awassi lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing the protein source of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of bitter vetch seeds (BVS) in the diets of finishing Awassi ram lambs on performance, and carcass characteristics. Diets were designed based on replacing SBM with BVS as a percentage of the diet. Diets were: control (0% BVS), substituting 5% of SBM (5% BVS), 10% of SBM (10% BVS) and the entire SBM in the ration with BVS (15% BVS). Forty eight lambs (18.74 +/- 3.95 kg initial body weight and 70 days of age) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment diets (12 lambs/treatment). Lambs were given an adaptation period of 10 days and the experiment lasted for 84 days. At the end of the trial, a digestibility experiment was performed and 6 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Average daily gain tended (P = 0.07) to be higher for lambs fed 10% BVS when compared to the other diets. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P < 0.01) in control diet compared to the other diets. Fat depth (C) and leg fat depth (L3) tended (0.05 < P < 0.1) to be affected by BVS levels in the diet. Leg total lean % was the highest (P < 0.05) in 5% BVS and 10% BVS diets. These results suggest that substituting SBM with BVS in the diets did not influence performance or carcass characteristics of lambs. However, the cost of ration formulation decreases since SBM is a very expensive component of the ration.

Chemical Composition and Mineral Content of Common Vetch Seeds during Maturation

ABSTRACT Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an important legume cultivated for feed grain and forage in the Mediterranean and Central Asia regions. Little information is available about the changes in seed mass, chemical composition, and mineral concentration in the developing seeds of common vetch. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to study the changes in seed mass, moisture content, fat, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, and macro- and microelements in common vetch seeds sampled at four pod developmental stages described based on pod color. Common vetch pods were harvested at four pod developmental stages: 1) full-size seed (FS), 2) greenish-yellow pods (GY), 3) yellow pods (Y), and 4) brown pods (B). Common vetch seeds attained maximum mass accumulation when pod color turned to yellow (the Y stage), which was a good indication of seed physiological maturity in common vetch. Results showed that ash, fat, fiber, protein, and carbohydrate content increased between the FS and GY stage. There was no significant change in the accumulation of these components at the Y stage as compared with the GY stage. During the desiccation phase (the Y to B stage), there was an increase in carbohydrate and reducing sugars and a decrease in proteins. Seed content (μg seed−1) of macro- and microelements levels increased as the seed matured, reaching the maximum level by the GY stage [for phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn)], the Y stage [for copper (Cu)], and the B stage [for potassium (K) and iron (Fe)]. These results suggest that the majority of seed chemical composition was accumulated by the GY stage where farmers can harvest common vetch seed without reducing seed mass and nutrient loss. These data serve as a useful characterization of changes in chemical composition based on pod developmental stages for further studies.

Vicia peregrina: an edible early Neolithic legume

We identified hundreds of Vicia peregrina (rambling vetch) seeds from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A site of Netiv Hagdud, an uncommon archaeobotanical find. The hilum, radicle and the depression under the lens (chalaza) are seen in several of the charred seeds lacking a testa. The rambling vetch and lentil are the prevailing legume seeds found at the site. Rambling vetch seeds contain small amounts of toxic compounds. The residents of Netiv Hagdud could have used tools found at the site for peeling, soaking and probably cooking the seeds, proce- dures that remove or reduce these toxic components. Mixing the vetch with cereals can also reduce the toxicity by dilution. We suggest that the rambling vetch seed could have been collected in its wild habitat or brought from cultivated wild barley fields. It seems that these unusual finds, which have not been observed in later local sites, are evidence that the start of plant domestication was a trial and error cultivation process. Thus the Netiv Hagdud rambling vetch remains represent the cultivation of a Near Eastern crop plant that was finally abandoned and did not become domesticated.

Effect of Different Levels of the Raw and Processed Vetch Seed (Vicia sativa) on Broiler Performance

Effect of Different Levels of the Raw and Processed Vetch Seed (Vicia sativa) on Broiler Performance

RELATION BETWEEN SENSORY ASTRINGENCY OF EXTRACTS FROM SELECTED TANNIN‐RICH FOODS AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

ABSTRACT Extracts obtained from hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, vetch seeds, buckwheat and buckwheat grits were examined for their sensory astringency and antioxidant properties. The sensory astringency was evaluated using the sensory scaling method and was expressed as sensation of astringency index (SAI). The antioxidant activity of extracts was analyzed using (1) total antioxidant activity (TAA), (2) the ability to scavenge the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical, (3) bleaching of β‐carotene and (4) reducing power. Human salivary protein (HSP) precipitation capacity of the extracts was assayed by spectrophotometric techniques. Statistically significant correlations (P ≤ 0.05) existed between SAI values and TAA, SAI value and reducing power, and SAI values and HSP precipitation. The presence of condensed tannins in the extracts was confirmed by UV spectral and high‐performance liquid chromatography data.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe sensory astringency of the tannin‐rich extracts is correlated with their antioxidant activity. This information and the regression equations reported in this study could help to prepare functional foods characterized by the high antioxidant properties that could meet consumer's acceptance. However, studies should continue to explain whether the masking of astringency of plant extract with hydrocolloids may render any undesirable effect on their antioxidant properties.

EFFECT OF FEEDING VETCH SEEDS (Vicia sativa L.), AS SOURCE OF PROTEIN IN FATTENING RATIONS OF AWASSI LAMBS

Thirty five Awassi lambs of 5.5–6 months old, with average initial body weight 34.25 kg were divided randomly into five groups each of 7 lambs. All lambs groups were fed ad libitum for 70 days on one of the five rations. The first group (A) was fed on barley grain only, group (B) barley grain with 10% sun flower meal and 0.7% urea, group (C) barley grain with 10% vetch seeds, group (D) barley grain with 20% vetch seeds and finally group (E) barley grain with 30% vetch seeds in addition to limestone and salt. After 4 weeks four lambs were randomly chosen from each group for digestibility trials to study the effects of treatments on nutrients digestibility. At the end of the experiment three lambs from each group were randomly chosen and slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics. Daily food intake for the five groups were similar and there was no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, CP, ether extract and CF. whereas the group that took 30% vetch seeds had a significantly higher NFE digestibility compared with group A. calculated increases were observed in feed conversion efficiency, average daily gain, final weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib eye area and fat thickness for group (E).

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LEGUMES SEEDS TREATMENT WITH EPAA IMPROVE BOTH THEIR RESISTANCE AGAINST PHYTOPATHOGENES AND PRODUCTIVITY

The positive influence of lupine, soy bean, peas and vetch seeds treatment with Agroemistimе-extra, EPAA, Bacillus subtilis UCM 5137 on seed’s vigour, germination and biometry idex of plants was shown. It was determined, that the legumes seed′s treatment with EPAA, Bacillus subtilis UCM 5137, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UCM 5017 has increased significantly the plant’s resistance against phytopathogenes.

Slow drying improved desiccation tolerance of immature seeds of common vetch

Drying common vetch seeds in the intact pods improved their desiccation tolerance and germination, this may be due to a slower rate of seed moisture loss or additional gain of dry weight of the seeds. Little information is available on the effect of slow drying on the desiccation tolerance of immature seeds of common vetch. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of seed incubation at 100% relative humidity for 48 h on the rate of moisture loss and germination of common vetch seeds harvested at different maturity stages. Seeds were harvested at five pod developmental stages; 1) beginning seed fill (BS), 2) full-size seed (FS), greenishyellow, 4) yellow pod and 5) brown pod. Harvested seeds were subjected to two drying methods; either dried under ambient condition or by incubating the seeds at 100% relative humidity for 48 h prior to drying under the ambient condition. Incubating the seeds at 100% RH reduced the rate of seed moisture loss and enhanced the germination of the immature seeds (the FS and GY stages). These results emphasized the importance of the slow drying for enhancing seed desiccation tolerance during seed development and maturation of common vetch, demonstrating that the germination ability of common vetch was independent of seed mass and maturation.

Serum Proteins and Some Biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chickens Fed with Raw and Treated Bitter Vetch (Vicia ervilia) Seeds

This study carried out to evaluate the effect of bitter vetch seeds on serum proteins and biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 1320 one-day-old broiler chicks of a commercial breed were placed in 64 pens. Treatments were included raw and four different processed bitter vetch seeds in three levels (150, 300 and 450 g kg(-1)) and a corn-soybean based diet as control. Each treatment group consisted of four replicates. Processing methods were included soaked in water for 12 h, autoclaved, then dried at room temperature (SAD); ground, soaked in water for 24 h, autoclaved and dried (GSAD); ground, soaked in water for 47 h with exchange water every 12 h, cooked and dried (GSCD) and ground, soaked at 1% acetic acid solution for 24 h at 60 degrees C (AA). Feeding raw, AA and GSAD seeds decreased serum albumin significantly (p<0.05) in 21-days-old chicks. Chickens that fed with raw and treated bitter vetch seed had lower alpha 1 and gamma globulins than control (p<0.05). Increasing raw and treated bitter vetch seeds from 15 to 30 and 45% decreased albumin, alpha 1 and gamma globulins and increased alpha 2 and beta globulins significantly (p<0.05). In 14-days-old chicks feeding raw and treated biter vetch had no effect on serum urea, but uric acid concentration decreased significantly (p<0.05). Feeding SAD seeds increased serum urea significantly (p<0.05), but uric acid concentration did not change with feeding raw and treated bitter vetch seeds in 42-day-old chicks. Adding raw and treated bitter vetch seeds to diet increased T4 and decreased T3 concentrations in all ages. At 28-days-old chicks, feeding raw and treated biter vetch seeds decreased alkaline phosphatase concentration significantly than control. Results showed that raw bitter vetch seeds have some toxic effects on metabolism in broiler chickens and GSCD and SAD treatments were more effective to detoxification of this seed.

Effect of air‐drying immature seeds in harvested pods on seed quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

Immature seeds of common vetch had low germination and were desiccation sensitive when seeds were extracted from pods before drying. Air‐drying immature seeds in harvested pods may improve their germination and vigour. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of air‐drying immature seeds in harvested pods on seed germination and vigour of common vetch and to identify the vigour test that best discriminates seed vigour differences amongst seeds harvested at different maturity stages and drying treatments. Seeds of common vetch were harvested at five pod developmental stages: beginning of seed fill (BS), full‐size seed (FS), greenish‐yellow pod (GY), yellow pod (Y), and brown pod (B) and subjected to three drying treatments: seeds dried after extraction from pods (depodded), dried in pods detached from plants (podded detached) or attached to plants (podded attached). Seed germination and seed vigour, as estimated by the germination after three accelerated ageing (AA) treatments and by electrical conductivity of seed leachate, were evaluated for the harvested seeds. Seeds were subjected to three ageing treatments (100% RH and 39°C for 72 h, 39°C for 96 h, or 45°C for 48 h) to identify the AA treatment that best discriminates seed vigour differences amongst common vetch seed lots. Podded dried seeds detached from or attached to plants had higher standard germination, germination after three accelerated ageing treatments, and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachates than depodded dried seeds when seeds were harvested at the BS and FS stages of development. Although the podded dried immature seeds did not differ significantly in standard germination from the podded dried mature seeds, the podded dried immature seeds had lower vigour as estimated by the germination after 39°C for 96 h. Seed ageing at close to 100% relative humidity and 39°C for 96 h was the best condition to separate the differences in vigour among maturity stages and drying treatments. The 39°C for 96 h treatment can be a useful test to assess seed vigour of common vetch and needs further evaluation.

Effects of Additives on Laying Performance and Egg Quality of Hens Fed a High Level of Common Vetch Seed (Vicia sativa) During the Peak Period

The aim of this study was to determine whether methionine, lysine, choline, or sulfur supplementation ameliorates adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality resulting from inclusion of a high level of common vetch seed (CVS) into diets of hens. Lohman layers, 30 wk of age as 6 replicate cages of 4 hens, were allocated randomly to receive basal diets containing either 12% soybean meal (B) or 22% CVS (BCVS) and diets BCVS plus 0.57% methionine, 0.66% lysine, 0.47% choline, or 0.05% sulfur for 98 d. Feed intake (FI) and egg production (EP) were recorded daily; egg weight (EW) was measured biweekly; and BW was measured monthly. A sample of 12 eggs from each experimental group was collected every month to evaluate egg quality.Inclusion of CVS into the basal diet caused 7.8, 11.6, 18.7, and 4.5% reductions in BW, FI, EP, and EW and 16.4% elevation in feed conversion ratio (FCR). The dietary supplementations did not alleviate depressions in BW, FI, and EW. As compared with hens fed diet BCVS, methionine and choline supplementations partially reduced the adverse effects of CVS on EP (6.2 and 2.9% increases) and FCR (7.4 and 6.6% decreases). The effects of treatments on egg quality were variable. In summary, a high level of CVS adversely affected laying performance and egg quality in peak producing hens. Partial improvements in these parameters by methionine and choline supplementations may suggest that the adverse effects of CVS could be linked to interference with methyl donor metabolism.