Anti-nutritional characteristics and mechanism of soybean agglutinin

Soybean agglutinin(SBA)is an important anti-nutritional factor in soybean.SBA can induce animal growth inhibition,cause pathological changes of intestinal tissue,and decrease in the immune system functioning.Recently,a great deal of research has been done on the effects of SBA on cell morphology,division,apoptosis,autophagy,as well as the correlated signal transduction pathway.This review mainly covers the chemical and biological characteristics of SBA,describes the multifaceted aspects of SBA anti-nutritional functions,and highlights the possible cellular and molecular mechanism of anti-nutritional effects of SBA.This review has important implications for the prevention and treatment of SBA-induced diseases,drug development,processing techniques of plant products,prevention of food-borne toxins,as well as human and animal health protection.

Phytochemical Study and Anti-nutritional Factors in Stems of Dioscorea praehensilis Benth(Dioscoreaceae)

The aim of this research was to find and assay phytochemical compounds and various biological macromolecules of the tender stems of Dioscorea praehensilis benth and evaluate their antioxidant activity and to compare the content of oxalates and cyanogenetic glucosides between raw and cooked tender stems.The plant collection and identification,phytochemical evaluation:phytochemical screening,preliminary(qualitative)analyses and in vitro assays.Phytochemical screening was performed by qualitative methods.The estimation of the content of secondary metabolites was evaluated by spectrophotometry-UV.Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS and DPPH assays and preliminary composition by the gravimetric method.The results obtained show that the stems of Dioscorea praehensilis are devoid of certain important chemical groups,the flavonoids were not detected and they were rich in total polyphenols(17.22±0.16),tannins(19.32±0.52)and anthocyanins(25.22±0.04).Our extracts showed a lower antioxidant activity than that of positive controls.The samples are rich in carbohydrates and fiber,with low levels of proteins,lipids and ash.Dioscorea praehensilis has a high toxicity in HCN,but after a good cooking of about 1 hour,99.97%of the cyanide are eliminated and does not have many oxalates.The results obtained show that Dioscorea praehensilis has a high dietary value and can therefore be used as a nutritive food.

Biological and Economic Efficiency of Partial Dietary Substitution of Soybean (Glycine max) Meal with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Meal in Broiler Production

This manuscript explores the biological and economic efficiency of partial dietary substitution of soybean (Glycine max) meal with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) meal in broiler production. As a result of the shortage of soybean in Zimbabwe due to droughts, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, high input costs, and price controls, the authors identified an alternative to soybean meal in cowpea meal due to its availability and similar amino acid profile to soybean meal. The experiment was carried out at Cold Storage Company in Kadoma. A total of 150 unsexed day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were used. All the birds were brooded in one pen during the first two weeks of age and fed with standard broiler starter mash from National Foods PVT LTD for adaptation. The birds were randomly allocated into five equal groups, each with three replicates and 10 birds per replicate at three weeks of age. Five experimental diets: T1 (100% soybean meal + 0% cowpeas meal), T2 (75% soybean meal + 25% cowpeas meal), T3 (50% soybean meal + 50% cowpeas meal), T4 (25% soybean meal + 75% cowpeas meal) and T5 (0% soybean meal + 100% cowpeas meal) were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous to meet nutrient requirements of broilers according to NRC (2001). Ration formulation using maize, soybean and cowpea meal as ingredients for broiler starter (21% Crude Protein) and broiler finisher (19% Crude Protein) was done using the Pearson Square Method. Feed intake (g) and weight gain (g) were recorded weekly. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and bioeconomic efficiency were calculated weekly. The experiment lasted for five weeks. The results showed that total Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 1 was the highest (3285 g), and Dry Matter Intakes for Treatments 2, 3 and 4 (3284 g, 3284 g and 3284 g) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 5 was the lowest (3282 g). Weight gains for Treatments 1 and 2 (2089 g and 2089 g) were not different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (2098 g and 2103 g) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the lowest gain of 1990 g. Feed Conversion Ratio for Treatments 1 and 2 (1.572 and 1.572) was not significantly different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (1.565 and 1.562) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the highest FCR (1.64). The bioeconomic efficiency results were significantly different (P < 0.05) for Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (42.16, 41.93, 41.46, 41.13 and 42.66, respectively). Based on the analyses and results, the authors concluded that cowpea meal prepared from boiled cowpea grain can be used to replace soybean meal in broiler diets at 50% and 75% inclusion, respectively. This study is unique and interesting and suitable for acceptance in this journal because it seeks to provide an alternative to feeds for the ever-growing broiler industry in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.

Biological and Economic Efficiency of Partial Dietary Substitution of Soybean (Glycine max) Meal with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Meal in Broiler Production

This manuscript explores the biological and economic efficiency of partial dietary substitution of soybean (Glycine max) meal with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) meal in broiler production. As a result of the shortage of soybean in Zimbabwe due to droughts, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, high input costs, and price controls, the authors identified an alternative to soybean meal in cowpea meal due to its availability and similar amino acid profile to soybean meal. The experiment was carried out at Cold Storage Company in Kadoma. A total of 150 unsexed day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were used. All the birds were brooded in one pen during the first two weeks of age and fed with standard broiler starter mash from National Foods PVT LTD for adaptation. The birds were randomly allocated into five equal groups, each with three replicates and 10 birds per replicate at three weeks of age. Five experimental diets: T1 (100% soybean meal + 0% cowpeas meal), T2 (75% soybean meal + 25% cowpeas meal), T3 (50% soybean meal + 50% cowpeas meal), T4 (25% soybean meal + 75% cowpeas meal) and T5 (0% soybean meal + 100% cowpeas meal) were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous to meet nutrient requirements of broilers according to NRC (2001). Ration formulation using maize, soybean and cowpea meal as ingredients for broiler starter (21% Crude Protein) and broiler finisher (19% Crude Protein) was done using the Pearson Square Method. Feed intake (g) and weight gain (g) were recorded weekly. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and bioeconomic efficiency were calculated weekly. The experiment lasted for five weeks. The results showed that total Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 1 was the highest (3285 g), and Dry Matter Intakes for Treatments 2, 3 and 4 (3284 g, 3284 g and 3284 g) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 5 was the lowest (3282 g). Weight gains for Treatments 1 and 2 (2089 g and 2089 g) were not different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (2098 g and 2103 g) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the lowest gain of 1990 g. Feed Conversion Ratio for Treatments 1 and 2 (1.572 and 1.572) was not significantly different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (1.565 and 1.562) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the highest FCR (1.64). The bioeconomic efficiency results were significantly different (P < 0.05) for Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (42.16, 41.93, 41.46, 41.13 and 42.66, respectively). Based on the analyses and results, the authors concluded that cowpea meal prepared from boiled cowpea grain can be used to replace soybean meal in broiler diets at 50% and 75% inclusion, respectively. This study is unique and interesting and suitable for acceptance in this journal because it seeks to provide an alternative to feeds for the ever-growing broiler industry in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.

Nutritive value of introduced bamboo species in the northwestern Himalayas, India

Bamboos are used extensively for a variety of purposes,and many new species have been introduced to the northwestern Himalaya.However,their potential as a fodder species has not been investigated.Six bamboo species,namely Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Gamble,Dendrocalamus asper(Schult.and Schult.f.)Backer ex K.Heyne,Melocanna baccifera(Roxb.)Kurz,Phyllostachys aurea Rivie′re and C.Rivie′re,Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb and Zucc.and Phyllostachys pubescens(Pradelle)Mazel ex J.Houz.were evaluated for their nutritional value,relative palatability and best lopping time.Dry matter(DM),ether extract(EE),and crude fibre varied from(37.0-67.7)%,(4.7-7.6),and(22.1-37.9)%,respectively.Values of crude protein ranged from(12.2-17.1)%,total ash(TA)from(11.8-21.5)%,acid insoluble ash(AIA)from(0.3-0.5)%,nitrogen free extract from(31.1-40.8)%,carbohydrates from(57.0-69.0)%,organic matter(OM)from(78.5-88.2)%,calcium from(1.7-2.3)%,phosphorus from(0.4-0.8)%,potassium from,(0.9-1.6)%,magnesium from(0.5-0.9)%,sodium from(603.7-1072.7)×10^-6 and vitamin A from(21.1-30.5)×10^-2 mg/g,respectively.D.hamiltonii had maximum values for DM,EE,TA and AIA.OM and vitamin A were highest in M.baccifera.CF and carbohydrates were maximized in P.aurea and CP in P.pubescens.All the values obtained for different bamboo species were less than maximum tolerable concentration of common feed resources of the region thereby indicating their suitability for nutrition and palatability.The contents of anti-nutritional factors,namely hydrocyanic acid and tannin ranged from(33.8-61.7)×10^-2 mg/g and(0.7-1.9)%,respectively.P.pubescens was the best species from a palatability point of view and has maximum crude protein content(17.2%),Ca(2.3%)and lowest tannin content(0.7%).The relative palatability of introduced bamboo species followed trend:P.pubescens(97.6%)[D.hamiltonii(92.5%)[P.bambusoides(81.2%)[D.asper(76.9%)[M.baccifera(75.9%)[P.aurea(73.4%).The optimum months for lopping these species for green leaves are November and December,as the nutritional value declines sharply thereafter.

Global production, processing and utilization of lentil： A review

Lentil is a highly nutritious legume with an ample quantity of carbohydrates and good amount of proteins, minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and fibres. Although it has been used as staple food since ancient times, its usage has been limited in developed countries, especially due to the lower protein digestibility, presence of anti-nutritional factors, flatulence and poor cooking qualities. Processing of lentils including dehulling and splitting and isolation of major fractions, e.g., proteins and starches are some of the strategies that can be adopted to add value and increase consumption of these legumes. This review paper intends to provide detailed overview of lentil＇s global production, nutritional composition and processing methods of lentil. Methods of isolation/characterization of lentil protein and starch and their subsequent application in foods are also presented.

Effects of Dehulling on Functional and Sensory Properties of Flours From Black Beans (<i>Phaseolus Vulgaris</i>)

The effects of dehulling on the physico-chemical and pasting of, as well as anti-nutritional factors in black bean (Phasoelus vulgaris) flours were investigated. Black bean seeds were dehulled both manually and mechanically and the flours obtained from the dehulled seeds were compared with flour milled from undehulled seeds. The flours obtained were evaluated for proximate composition, physical and pasting properties. Anti-nutritional factors in the flours were also determined. The flours were then used to prepare steamed bean cake (“Moinmoin”) which was evaluated for sensory parameters of appearance, taste, aroma, texture and overall acceptability. Dehulling produced significant effects (p 0.05 and p > 0.01) prepared from dehulled flours, but there was significant difference (p < 0.05) at both levels in most sensory parameters between samples from dehulled seeds and undehulled seeds except for aroma.

Comparative Study of Proximate,Chemical and Physicochemical Properties of Less Explored Tropical Leafy Vegetables

The list of underutilized green leafy vegetables is enormous: ranging from commonly consumed and underutilized vegetables. There are data on commonly consumed vegetables, but information is sparse on nutritional, chemical and anti-nutritional properties of less explored vegetables. This work aimed to evaluate some attributes of less explored or underutilized leafy vegetables. Some nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of 10 under-utilized leafy vegetables(Amaranthus spinosus Linnaeus, Basella alba Linnaeus, Corchorous tridens L., Cyrtosperma senegalense(Schott), Erigeron floribundus Sch, Hoslundia opposita Vahl, Lagenaria siceraria(Molina) Standl, Ocimum basilicum L., Solanum aethiopicum L. and Talinum portulacifolium(Forssk.) Asch. ex Schweinf) were investigated. Cyrtosperma senegalense had the highest protein value(5.93%). Hoslundia opposita had the highest fat content(0.54%). Amaranthus spinosus was high in β-carotene content(346.3 mg · 100 g-1); Cyrtosperma senegalense had the highest moisture content. A. spinosus had the highest ascorbic acid content(108.1 mg · 100 g-1). The highest tannin level(0.0057%) was found in C. senegalense and the lowest(0.0003%) was found in Solanum aethiopicum. Saponin was the highest in C. tridens(0.0052%) and the lowest in T. portulacifolium(0.00014%). C. senegalense and S. aethiopicum had their highest and the lowest phytate values, respectively. Although anti-nutrients could interfere with nutrient utilization, their values in these vegetables were not at toxic levels.

Reproductive and Growth Performance of Rabbit Fed Different Inclusion Levels of African Yam Bean (<i>Sphenostylis stenocarpa</i>)

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of Processed African Yam Bean (AYB) at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% levels respectively, on the growth and reproductive performance of Rabbits. The AYB inclusion was to ascertain the best (%) level that would give better performance in rabbits. Complete randomized design was used to allot twenty (20) grower rabbits of both sexes into four treatments in three replicate with each group having three does and two bucks. Each of the treatment diets formulated at different growth stages was fed to the rabbits. The rabbits were kept in hutches inside the rabbit house and given feed and water ad libitum. Growth and reproductive parameters were measured. The proximate analysis and anti-nutritional factor of processed AYB showed that it contained values of 26.88%, 92.97%, 5.26%, 61.89%, 7.04%, 3.79% and 2.17% for Crude protein, Dry matter, Crude fibre, Nitrogen-free extract, Moisture content, Ash content and Ether extract respectively while the anti-nutritional factor contained 0.11%, 14.02 mg/g, 0.19 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.14 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.13 mg/g and 0.01 mg/g of Tannin, Alkaloid, Oxalate, Phytate, Saponin, Flavonoids, Trypsin inhibitor and Lectin. From this study, the rabbit group on 10% AYB inclusion significantly (p 0.05) affected by the diets. The results of this experiment concluded that AYB can be included in the diet of rabbits with 10% inclusion giving a better reproductive performance and growth rate without any negative effect.

Physico-chemical Properties of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i>L.) Varieties Grown in Northern Area, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of three sesame varieties: Adi, Bawnji and T-85. Sesame varieties showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences on some physical properties, proximate, mineral, anti-nutritional (phytic acid) and antioxidant compositions. The average values of 1000 seed weight were ranged from (2.74 - 3.16 g) and true density from (1190.66 to 1215.58 kg m-3). The moisture (wb), crude protein, ash, fat, fiber, total carbohydrate, Ca, Zn and Fe (db) were ranged: 3.17% - 3.96%, 22.58% - 24.27%, 4.46% - 6.19%, 50.88% - 52.67%, 5.60% - 6.26%, 8.3% - 11.69%, 1172.08 - 1225.71 mg/100g, 4.23 - 4.45 mg/100g and 10.2 - 10.75 mg/100g, respectively. Phytic acid contents were ranged from 307.61 to 324.91 mg/100g, total phenolics from (23.16 - 25.69 mg GAE/g) and ferric ion reducing power value from (32.33 - 34.53 μmol/g) (db). The results were compared with some other sesame varieties grown worldwide. Results showed that Ethiopian sesame varieties were good source in nutrients and were functional foods for human nutrition and utilization.

Factors That Compromise the Nutritional Value of Cowpea Fluor and Its Protein Isolates

Anti-nutritional studies on cowpea (Vigna ungiculata L.) seeds as whole cowpea flour (WCF), dehulled cowpea flour (DCF), dehulled defatted cowpea flour (DDCF) and protein isolates obtained from DDCF by isoelectric (CPIA) and micellization (CPIB) precipitation. The protein content of WCF and DDCF were 22.3% and 26.75% respectively, while CPIA and CPIB showed 75% and 76% respectively. The abundant minerals in WCF and DCF were calcium (32.38 - 33.61 mg/100 g);potassium (29.25 - 24.99 mg/100 g);and sodium (1.76 - 1.00 mg/100 g). The least abundant minerals were iron (0.004 - 0.013 mg/100 g);copper (0.04 - 0.25 mg/100 g);manganese (0.18 - 0.30 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.26 - 1.22 mg/100 g);respectively. Trypsin inhibitor activity for WCF, CPIA and CPIB was found 16,640 TIU/g, 4293 TIU/g and 4290 TIU/g respectively. Condensed tannins in RCF and DDCF were found 0.003% and 0.004% respectively while phytic acid content 0.8% and 1.17% respectively, no phytic acid and tannins were observed in protein isolates. Cowpea flour was also similar to other edible grain legumes in content of anti-nutritional factors;appropriate processing methods improved cowpea nutritive value and significantly reduced the levels of anti-nutritional factors.

Effect of the desolventizing/toasting process on chemical composition and protein quality of rapeseed meal

Background： During processing in a desolventizer/toaster（DT）, rapeseed meal（RSM） is heated to evaporate the hexane and to reduce the level of heat-labile anti-nutritional factors such as glucosinolates（GSL）. However, excessive heat treatment may reduce amino acid（AA） content in addition to lower AA digestibility and availability in RSM. The objective of the present study was to produce from one batch of a 00-rapeseed variety（17 μmol GSL/g dry matter（DM）, seed grade quality） five differently processed RSM under standardized and defined conditions in a pilot plant,and to determine the impact of these different treatments on protein solubility and chemical composition, in particular with regard to contents of AA including reactive Lys（rL ys） and levels of total and individual GSL.Methods： Four RSM were exposed to wet toasting conditions（WetT C） with increasing residence time in the DT of 48,64, 76, and 93 min. A blend of these four RSM was further processed, starting with saturated steam processing（〈 100 °C）and followed by exposure to dry toasting conditions（DryT C） to further reduce the GSL content in this RSM.Results： The contents of neutral detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber bound crude protein（CP） increased linearly（P 〈 0.05）, as residence time of RSM in the DT increased from 48 to 93 min, whereas contents of total and most individual GSL and those of Lys, rL ys, Cys, and the calculated ratio of Lys：CP and r Lys：CP decreased linearly（P ≤ 0.05）.The combination of wet heating and DryT C resulted in the lowest GSL content compared to RSM produced under WetT C, but was associated with lowest protein solubility.Conclusions： It can be concluded that by increasing residence time in the DT or using alternative processing conditions such as wet heating combined with DryT C, contents of total and individual GSL in RSM can be substantially reduced.Further in vivo studies are warranted to elucidate if and to which extent the observed differences in protein quality and GSL content between RSM may affect digestibility and bioavailability of AA in monogastric animals.

Recombinant protein detection and its content in total protein, lipids and toxic antinutritional substances in Mexican maize

The engineering genetic technology has developed Bt maize events which contain recombinant protein that will be safe for the consumer. The aflatoxins are contaminants present in maize capable of producing cancer and decreasing the immune response in human, additionally contained polyphenols compounds considered non nutritive. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of recombinant protein in hybrid and local varieties of corn and evaluate the content of aflatoxins and tannins. 25 samples of white grain maize for human consumption were collected, 12 were for hybrid maize and 13 local varieties, from the states of Hidalgo, Mexico and Morelos. Samples were analyzed for Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac, using lateral flow strip method, crude protein and lipids by standard methods. Aflatoxins were assessed by comercial Elisa kit and tannins by spectroscopy method. The data were grouped in a completely random model and an analysis of variance was performed. The results indicated that 44.5% of hybrid corn was positive by Bt-Cry1Ab/1Ac proteins, containing 9.02% ± 2.5 lipids and 11.33% ± 2.2 crude protein, 189 ± 0.92 mg/g of tannins and 6.36 ± 3.3 μg·g-1 aflatoxins. The local maize samples (55.5%) were negative to Bt-Cry1Ab/ Cry1Ac, which protein content was of 8.68% ± 0.90, 6.14% lipids ± 2.3, 273 ± 0.40 mg/100g tannin and 7.15 ± 3.3 μg·g-1 of aflatoxins. In conclusion, we observed an improvement of nutrient composition in hybrid maize with Bt proteins, and decrease in tannins content comparing with some local varieties without Bt proteins. The effectiveness of Bt maize expressing the Cry1Ab/ Cry1Ac in reducing aflatoxin contamination was not observed, therefore, additive affects of aflatoxins contamination in maize Bt-Cry need to be further investigated in cancer disease development.

Solid-state fermented plant protein sources in the diets of broiler chickens:A review

Protein sources are the second most important component in poultry diets.Due to the fluctuation in price of soybean meal(SBM) and persistent increase in feed prices,nutritionists have been exploring alternative protein sources.Replacement of SBM with alternative protein sources in poultry diets could reduce human-live stock competition for soybean and support the production of more animal protein.However,the use of alternative protein sources is limited to low inclusion due to the presence of antinutritional factors(ANF) such as glucosinolates(rapeseed meal),gossypol(cottonseed meal),nonstarch polysaccharides(NSP) in lupin flour,high fibre(palm kernel cake),total phenolic contents and phytic acid(canola meal) known to impair animal performance,nutrient digestibility and feed utilization.As a processing technique,solid-state fermentation(SSF) has been researched for a long time in the food industry.An important objective of SSF is the production of enzymes,organic acids and other metabolites of economic importance.In recent times,SSF has been employed to enhance nutrient bioavailability,inhibit gut pathogenic bacteria and reduce ANF in plant protein sources resulting in improved nutrient digestibility,thereby improving performance and gut health of broiler chickens.Unlike pigs,there is still a dearth of information on feeding solid-state fermented feed ingredients to broiler chickens.This review aims to describe the nutritional value of the solid-state fermented products of rapeseed meal,canola meal,cottonseed meal,palm kernel cake and lupin flour on performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Effect of processing on bioaccessibility and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in coffee beans

Coffee is one of the most prevalent and functional beverages around world owing to its rich content of bioactive compounds.Phenolic compounds and alkaloids are two primary groups of bioactive compounds in coffee beans,which have been proven healthy benefits in regular and suitable daily consumption.They have been recognized as protective factors,especially phenolic compounds,to perform high antioxidant capacities and potential to relieve the occurrence of chronic diseases and partial cancer.The content and composition of bioactive and anti-nutritional compounds in coffee beans can be mainly influenced by variety,processing and storage conditions.The cultivar of Arabica coffee beans(C.arabica)exhibits lower content of phenolic compounds but similar anti-nutritional substances with the comparison to Robusta(C.canephora).Comparing to green coffee beans,reasonable roasting contributes to the improvement of phenolic content and its total antioxidant activity because of the liberation of bound phenolic compounds and the generation of novel compounds with antioxidant activity.Over intensive roasting will not only decrease the number of bioactive compounds within the coffee beans but also stimulate the generation of endogenous anti-nutritional compounds,which consequently reduce the coffee nutritional value.The fluctuations of moisture content during storage would be the primary reason of the changes in the content of bioactive compounds.Phenolic compounds in coffee beans perform outstanding bioaccessibility but relatively lower absorption efficiency because of the combination with other molecules.Suitable roasting would improve the bioavailability of bioactive compounds.The interaction between phenolic compounds and proteins would also influence the bioavailability and bioactivity of bioactive compounds and final nutritional value after consumption.

Browse silage as potential feed for captive wild ungulates in southern Africa:A review

The objective of the review was to assess the potential of indigenous browse trees as sustainable feed supplement in the form of silage for captive wild ungulates.Several attempts to use silage as feed in zoos in temperate regions have been conducted with success.Information on silage from the indigenous browse trees preferred by wild ungulates in southern Africa is scanty.The use of silage from the browse trees is of interest as it has potential to reduce or replace expensive feed sources(pellets,fruits and farm produce) currently offered in southern African zoos,game farms and reserves,especially during the colddry season.Considerable leaf biomass from the indigenous browse trees can be produced for silage making.High nutrient content and minerals from indigenous browsable trees are highly recognised.Indigenous browse trees have low water-soluble carbohydrates(WSC) that render them undesirable for fermentation.Techniques such as wilting browse leaves,mixing cereal crops with browse leaves,and use of additives such as urea and enzymes have been studied extensively to increase WSC of silage from the indigenous browse trees.Anti-nutritional factors from the indigenous browse preferred by the wild ungulates have also been studied extensively.Indigenous browse silages are a potential feed resource for the captive wild ungulates.If the browse trees are used to make silage,they are likely to improve performance of wild ungulates in captivity,especially during the cold-dry season when browse is scarce.Research is needed to assess the feasibility of sustainable production and the effective use of silage from indigenous browse trees in southern Africa.Improving intake and nutrient utilisation and reducing the concentrations of anti-nutritional compounds in silage from the indigenous browse trees of southern Africa should be the focus for animal nutrition research that need further investigation.