Degrading Mimosine and Tannins of Leucaena leucocephala by Ensiling

Lucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) is a valuable fodder tree, but it contains high contents of anti-nutritional factors, such as mimosine and tannins. The present study investigated the silage fermentation characteristics and ensiling effects on the degradation of mimosine and tannins of leucaena. Mimosine and tannins gradually reduced during ensiling, and sucrose and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) addition promoted their degradation. The highest degradation rate of mimosine was 49.0% in sucrose treatment and the lowest was 25.5% in the control. The highest degradation rate of tannins was 54.7% in the combined treatment of sucrose and LAB and the lowest was 40% in the control. The degradation rates of mimosine and tannins had negative correlation with the pH value and had positive correlation with lactic acid content in silage.