Abstract 223

Minson,-DJ; Hegarty,-MP

CSIRO, Cunningham Lab., St. Lucia, Brisbane, Qld. 4067, Australia.

Forage legumes for energy-efficient animal production [edited by Barnes, R.F. et al.]. 1985, 246-250; 27 ref.

This paper forms part of the proceedings of a trilateral workshop held at Palmerston North, New Zealand on 30 Apr.-4 May 1984. The different factors governing toxicity of legumes to ruminants are reviewed with particular reference to the tropical species Leucaena leucocephala and to the mechanisms associated with toxicity in other tropical species. Although toxins or their precursors can constitute up to 10% of DM their toxic effects may be modified by lack of palatability and avoidance by animals, by conversion by plant enzymes or by rumen microflora or by transformation in the liver. It is suggested that toxicity may be reduced by selection of cv. and species with lower toxin contents by inoculation of the rumen with appropriate bacteria or by appropriate grazing management to reduce legume composition of the diet.