Leucaena, promising forage for the tropics

The tree legume leucaena is highly palatable and can make a good livestock feed ingredient. However, a toxic metabolite (mimosine) limits its use. Researchers are therefore looking into solutions, such as mimosine degrading enzymes. To meet the requirement of food demand for the rapidly increasing population we will have to ensure equivalent increase in animal production, which makes forage crops significantly important. One of the most important forage crops is Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena)