Institut für Züchtungsforschung an landwirtschaftlichen Kulturen
The interest in regional, GMO-free animal feed and domestic protein components in the human sector is increasing. In the field of lupine cultivation, interest is also increasing due to new, higher-yielding white lupine varieties. The situation with the use of sweet lupins as a protein component for humans and animals is associated with the problem of the quinolizidine alkaloid content and its analytical determination right from the start. Despite the reduction in the quinolizidine alkaloid content in breeding, the alkaloids still represent an obstacle to use. There are repeated reports of increased levels, without the cause always being clear. Although numerous trials have shown that sweet lupins are suitable as protein feed, farmers and operators of compound feed plants report reduced feed intake in pigs, up to and including feed refusal, if the quinolizidine alkaloid levels exceed the recommended values. Contrary to what was previously assumed, a transfer into the milk also seems to be possible. For this reason, there is great interest among farmers, agricultural trade and processors in an effective and reliable rapid method with which the harvested crop can be examined quickly and inexpensively with sufficient accuracy.
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
