Agricultural Reviews
Year : 2000, Volume : 21, Issue : 2
First page : ( 104) Last page : ( 109)
Print ISSN : 0253-1496.

Detoxification of mimosine and dihydroxypyridone: A review

Paul S.S.

Central Institute For Research on Buffaloes, Sub-Campus, Nabha-147201, India.

Abstract

Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) is considered as a miracle tree due to its protein rich foliage (20–30% CP), fast growing and drought tolerant habits. Use of its foliage as animal feed is being limited by presence of a toxic amino acid-mimosine and its metabolites 3, 4 DHP and 2, 3 DHP. Inclusion of subabul leaves on ration of farm animals results in varied response to severe adverse effects. Treatment of subabul leaf meal with mimosine binding agents reduce mimosine toxicity significantly and this seems to be the most effective detoxification method for nonruminants. But for ruminants a new hope has arisen from the discovery of presence of DHP degrading rumen microbes in some regions of the world including Karnal area of India. Such microbes were identified as Clostridium strain 162 in Venezuela; Synergistes jonsii in USA and a strain of Streptococcus bovis in India. This paper reviews the topic and provides an update information about detoxification of mimosine and DHP.

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