Question

The antinutritional factor present in the Leucaena leucocephala (soobabul) leaves is:

• A. Sapponin
• B. Mimosine
• C. Oxalate
• D. Dhhurin

Hint:

Mimosine toxicity can be overcome in ruminants by inoculating the rumen with a specific bacterium called Synergistes jonesii, which degrades mimosine and its toxic metabolite 3,4-DHP.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many tree fodders and forage crops contain natural secondary metabolites that act as defensive mechanisms or antinutritional factors, limiting their incorporation in animal diets.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the specific antinutritional compounds:
1. Saponin: Found in crops like alfalfa/lucerne.
2. Mimosine: This is a toxic non-protein amino acid found in high concentrations in the leaves and seeds of Leucaena leucocephala (soobabul). It causes toxicity characterized by alopecia (hair loss), enlarged thyroid glands, and decreased reproductive performance in non-ruminants and unadapted ruminants.
3. Oxalate: Commonly found in hybrid napier, bajra, and paddy straw.
4. Dhurrin: A cyanogenic glycoside found in sorghum (jowar).
Thus, mimosine is the antinutritional factor in soobabul.

Step 4: Final Answer
The correct option is (B).