TLDR Leucaena leucocephala is nutritious but needs careful processing to remove toxins.
The document "Leucaena Leucocephala a Nutrition Profile" from 1995 detailed the nutritional benefits and toxicological challenges of using Leucaena leucocephala as animal feed and human food. It highlighted the presence of mimosine, a toxic amino acid causing alopecia, growth retardation, and other health issues, particularly in non-ruminants. Various detoxification methods, such as heat treatment, microbial introduction, and fermentation, were explored to reduce mimosine content. Despite its high protein and essential amino acid content, careful management was necessary to mitigate its anti-nutritional factors.
10 citations,
March 2015 in “American journal of primatology” Ingesting Leucaena leucocephala caused hair loss and increased infant mortality in ringtailed lemurs.
September 2022 in “Tropical grasslands-Forrajes tropicales” Leucaena feed helps farmers grow larger cattle herds and is good for fattening, but its safety for breeding cows is unclear.
5 citations,
October 2013 in “Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice” Some horses lose hair without inflammation or itching due to various conditions, and while mainly a cosmetic issue, diagnosis requires examination and biopsies, and breeding is not advised if it's hereditary.
9 citations,
January 1981 in “Australian journal of biological sciences” Lambs fed a liquid diet showed abnormal wool and skin, which improved with more B-vitamins, suggesting a link to B-vitamin deficiency.
1 citations,
December 2021 in “Animals” Low zinc and selenium levels in sheep are linked to hair loss and thyroid problems.
