Lupins, a legume crop, have significant potential as a protein-rich feed source for livestock, especially in regions facing environmental challenges. These crops are tough and able to grow in poor soils and harsh conditions, which makes them appealing for use in sustainable farming systems. However, new research highlights how different environmental factors, like climate and soil properties, can greatly affect the nutritional value and safety of lupin forage, presenting both opportunities and challenges for livestock farmers.
A joint effort of Ana Rita Cabrita, António Mira da Fonseca and Inês Valente, researchers from the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), and the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), and of Henrique Trindade from the Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (CITAB-UTAD), along with their teams, studied how factors such as sowing location and date impact the quality of three lupin varieties. Their findings, published in the journal Heliyon, show that while lupins offer great potential as a protein source, some species can produce harmful compounds if not managed properly.
The work focused on three species of lupins: Lupinus albus (white lupin), L. angustifolius (narrow-leafed lupin), and L. luteus (yellow lupin). The crops were sown at two locations in Portugal – Mirandela and Vila Real – on four different dates to test how sowing location and date influenced their productivity and nutritional and antinutritional properties. “Our study emphasizes how crucial it is to consider the local environment when growing lupins, as it has a direct impact on both the nutritional benefits and the potential risks of using these plants as animal feed,” authors said.
One of the key results from the research was that all the lupin species tested had a relatively high protein content and digestibility, making them a strong choice for ruminant animals. In addition to their protein content, lupins can also help improve soil fertility by naturally adding nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. The mineral content in the lupins was found to be safe for cattle and sheep, with essential nutrients well below harmful levels.
However, the study also revealed some challenges. Lupins naturally produce chemicals called alkaloids to defend themselves against pests. These alkaloids can be toxic to animals if consumed in large amounts. The levels of these compounds varied based on the species of lupin and the environment in which they were grown. Specifically, L. luteus (yellow lupin) cv. Cardiga was found to have a particularly high alkaloid content, which could pose a risk to livestock if not carefully managed. “While the white and narrow-leafed lupins can be safely used in animal diets, the higher alkaloid levels in yellow lupin may limit its safe use” authors explained.
Lupanine, sparteine, and lupinine were the most commonly found alkaloids, with concentrations differing based on biotic and abiotic factors. L. albus had the highest level of lupanine, while L. luteus had higher levels of sparteine and lupinine.
Despite these issues, the researchers remain optimistic about lupins’ role in sustainable farming. “Lupins are incredibly resilient and can thrive in difficult environments, which makes them a valuable tool for farmers looking to build more sustainable systems,” authors emphasized. However, the team stressed that it is important for farmers to choose the right variety of lupin and to use proper growing techniques to ensure that the forage is safe for animals.
To sum up, while lupins offer a promising solution to the growing demand for protein-rich livestock feed, farmers need to carefully consider the conditions under which these crops are grown. The research highlights the importance of developing smart farming practices that maximize the nutritional benefits of lupin forage while minimizing the risks posed by toxic compounds. The findings could also guide future breeding efforts to create lupin varieties with lower alkaloid levels, making them safer and more effective as a sustainable forage option.
Journal Reference
Cabrita, A.R.J., Valente, I.M., Monteiro, A., et al. “Environmental conditions affect the nutritive value and alkaloid profiles of Lupinus forage: Opportunities and threats for sustainable ruminant systems.” Heliyon, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28790
About the Authors
Ana Rita Cabrita is an Associate Professor at School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, where she is responsible for the curricular units in the area of Animal Nutrition in the Integrated Master in Veterinary Medicine, in the Aquatic Sciences BsC and in the Master in Marine Sciences – Marine Resources. She is a permanent member of the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE). She had responsibilities and participated in several research projects both national and international, including co-promotion projects with industrial partners in the area of animal nutrition of both production and companion animals. She authored 5 book chapters, and 85 scientific articles, which have been cited > 2300 times and has an h-index of 27. Her main research interest is animal nutrition and feeding (livestock and companion animals), particularly the study of alternative feed resources and feeding strategies with high nutritional and functional value to increase sustainability, decrease environmental impact, and improve animal health and animal products.
Inês Maria Valente obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2007 and her Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry in 2008 at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto. She completed her PhD in Sustainable Chemistry in 2014, a collaborative program between the University of Porto and the New University of Lisbon. From 2014 to 2019, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (REQUIMTE/LAQV). Since 2019, she has been a researcher at REQUIMTE/LAQV. Her specialization is in Analytical Chemistry, with a primary research focus on chromatographic metabolomic characterization, particularly in the areas of phytochemistry and animal nutrition. She co-authored a patent, published 52 papers in international peer-reviewed journals (h-index of 21), and co-authored 3 book chapters. She is an active participant in national and international conferences, presenting her research through both oral and poster presentations. Additionally, she collaborates with other national and international research groups, applying her expertise to projects led by industrial partners.
Henrique Trindade is full professor in Agronomy Science/ Agriculture and Environment at the Department of Agronomy from Universidade de Trás os Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) and integrated member of CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (www.citab.utad.pt), where holds the position of deputy director. Has published +80 papers in SCOPUS journals (h-index: 28; >2 500 citations). Scientific supervisor of several post-graduate students (5 postdoc and 11 PhD) and has participated in several research projects (12 EU and 27 national, some as project leader). He coordinates the Animal Manures, Nutrient cycles and Agriculture Sustainability group from CITAB in studies to evaluate the effects of mineral and organic amendments on N and C flows (mineralization) and losses in soils throughout nitrate leaching, ammonia volatilization and, particularly, emission of biogenic GHG (CH4, N2O and CO2). Studies cover emissions from animal stables, management of manures and crop residues and the effect of climate changes on plant growth and quality. His teaching activity focuses on “agroecology and agricultural systems”, “arable crops”, “forage and pasture production” and “environmental effects of agricultural activity”, teaching curricular units to BSc, MSc and PhD degrees.
António Mira da Fonseca was born in Aveiro, Portugal, in 1970. He graduated in Zootechny Engineering from the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal, in 1993, and obtained his doctoral degree from the same University, in 1998. He received the University Senate Award and the National Award in Engineering, in 1995, and the Eng. António de Almeida Award, in 1996. António is Full Professor of Animal Science at the Department of Veterinary Clinics of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal, and a permanent member of the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE). He published more than 90 papers in international peer-reviewed journals and book chapters (h-index of 28; citations > 2400). His main research interest is dairy cow feeding and nutrition. However, in the last years, his research area has broadened to embrace a more holistic approach of Animal Nutrition, towards The Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. Moreover, he maintains strong links with the industry, as well as with dairy farms. António Mira da Fonseca is a full member of the Ordem dos Engenheiros (College of Agricultural Engineering).
