Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Characteristics of Leguminous Fodder
Leguminous leafy fodder like lucerne and berseem are:
- Liable to produce bloat
- 2-3% DCP & 12% TDN on fresh basis
- Wide Ca:P ratio
- All correct — Correct Answer
Explanation:
Correct Answer: All correct
Leguminous leafy fodders like Lucerne and Berseem have three characteristic nutritional features that are all simultaneously true.
Three Key Features of Leguminous Leafy Fodder
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Liable to produce bloat | High soluble protein content creates stable foam in rumen → frothy/bloat. Treatment: Mineral oil, Simethicone (Bloatosil). Lucerne contains Saponin (ANF) |
| 2–3% DCP & 12% TDN (fresh basis) | Despite being high in protein on DM basis, their high water content (~80% moisture) dilutes nutrient density to only 2–3% DCP and ~12% TDN on fresh weight |
| Wide Ca:P ratio | Legumes are very rich in Calcium but poor in Phosphorus → wide Ca:P ratio (very high Ca:P, often >5:1) |
Bloat — Key Notes
- Frothy bloat caused by legumes (Lucerne, Berseem) — soluble proteins form stable foam
- Treatment: Mineral oil (defoaming agent) or Simethicone/Bloatosil
- Ca:P ratio in bone should be 2:1; legumes exceed this for Ca
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
