In this chapter the characteristics of the main protein sources included in rabbit diets, protein digestion in young rabbits, nitrogen metabolism in the caecum of rabbits, soft faeces and its relation to protein digestibility, amino acid balance, and faecal digestibility in rabbits are discussed.

This chapter initially considers the definition and structure of the different classes of fibre and of cell wall constituents, followed by a description of some analytical methods employed for animal or human feeds. Second, the effects of fibre on rabbit digestion are described.

This chapter discussed the five components in poultry diet namely: energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water. Highlights focused on the effect of nutrient shortage or imbalance in relation to other nutrients on the performance of the animals particularly on production of eggs and meat.

Legume-based green manures (LGMs) are crops that are grown with the specific purpose of improving soil quality and consequently the long-term productivity of crops. Although the traditional focus has been on the supply of nitrogen (N) to the system, they have a wide range of potential benefits that ...

This chapter reviews knowledge on the agronomy, genetics, feeding value and harvesting methods used for lucerne (alfalfa; Medicago sativa), which is the temperate climate legume species with the highest protein yield. It has agronomic advantages (high forage production, adequate persistency and...

In Europe, legumes are mostly grown as single species or in mixtures with cereals or grasses. As an alternative cropping strategy, mixtures of legumes for forage have been developed in Serbia. This novel approach can be applied in many other temperate regions of Europe. This chapter provides an...

This paper discusses nitrogen deficiency in lucerne or alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The paper enumerates the symptoms and developmental stages of nitrogen deficiency, as well as the soil conditions that are more likely to be deficient in nitrogen. Finally, the paper presents the integrated nutrient...

This book presents guidelines on the identification of macronutrient and micronutrient deficiency symptoms in cereal crops (maize, rice, sorghum, pearl millet, wheat and barley), pulse crops (pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, cowpea, cluster bean, chickpea, Phaseolus vulgaris, lentil and pea),...

This chapter describes polyploidy and discusses the potential of polyploidization in the improvement of food legumes, with emphasis on groundnut, lucerne and soyabean. Information on the mechanism of gene duplication as well as genome restructuring and diploidization (rearrangement within genome)...

This chapter documents the origins and cultivar types, crop establishment and management, harvesting, roguing, seed production, processing and storage, as well as pathogens and pests of temperate and tropical forage legumes. The clover species suitable for temperate regions include: Trifolium...