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Grain Legumes

Grain legumes are another group of high protein feedstuffs. Grain legumes are often referred to as pulse crops; pulses are the seeds of legumes. Grain legumes are primarily grown for human foodstuffs. The seeds not used as human foodstuffs are fed to animals. At times, the leaves and stems of legumes are also fed to animals as forages. In general, the crude protein content of grain legumes ranges from 20-30% and are low in methionine and tryptophan. In addition, a number of the grain legumes contain antinutritional factors including protease inhibitors, goitrogens, cyanogens, antivitamins, metal-binding factors, lathyrogens, and phytohemagglutins that must be addressed. Lathyrogens cause nervous system disorders. Phytohemagglutins cause binding of red blood cells. In general, processing, generally with a heat-based treatment, will make the legume seeds suitable for consumption by animals.

The first grain legume is soybeans. Soybean meal is the primary soybean-based feedstuff. Another soybean-based feed is full-fat soybeans. Full-fat soybeans are high in protein and energy. The full-fat soybeans should be processed prior to use to inactivate antinutritional factors and also to prevent against rancidity.

Peanuts are also a legume seed. Typically, peanuts are fed as a meal.

Dry beans are another high protein legume seed feedstuff. Dry beans fed to animals include common, snap, kidney, pinto, navy, mung, and lima. In general, the crude protein content of the dry beans is 20-28%. Dry beans also contain a number of antinutritional factors. The most important are protease inhibitors and lectins. Processing with the use of heat treatment is required prior to feeding. For monogastrics, amount fed should be limited. For ruminants, beans may be fed in moderate amounts.

Field beans are also fed to animals. Field beans are also known as fava, faba, horse, or broad beans. The crude protein content of field beans is 24-30%. Field beans are an effective protein source when used as a portion of the supplementary protein.

Lupins are plants well adapted to growing in relatively adverse climates. Many varieties of lupins are available including grain and range varieties. Grain varieties are referred to as sweet lupins. The protein content of sweet lupin is 25-35%. Sweet lupins are bred to contain a low alkaloid content. For monogastrics, poultry perform better compared to swine fed lupin. Ruminants perform well on lupin. Heat treatment will improve nutritional value for ruminants.

The next legume seeds used as protein feedstuffs are peas and lentils. Peas and lentils are available in the Pacific Northwest. The crude protein content of peas is 20-29% crude protein. The nutritional value of lentils is similar to peas. For monogastrics, peas and lentils are a more favorable feed for swine compared to poultry. For ruminants, these are a good source of protein and energy.

In addition to the ones described above, there are additional grain legumes used as animal feedstuffs.

Legume seed screenings are the by-products of legume processing for seed. Availability varies with location. The crude protein content of grain legume screenings is 22-25%. For ruminants, grain legume screenings are an acceptable feedstuff.

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