The effects and toxicological mechanisms of leucaena toxicity on ruminant reproduction: a review

Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is a high-quality proteinaceous feed which can improve the nutrition of ruminant livestock in tropical countries. However, this legume contains toxic secondary compounds (mimosine and dihydroxypyridine) in all parts of the plant. Several studies have shown that leucaena secondary compounds could damage male and female animals' reproductive performance, including decreased libido and semen quality, embryonic and foetal death, malformation, and lower the conception rate. This paper identifies some toxicological mechanisms that might be responsible for reproductive failure in the ruminant. Some strategies are suggested to make leucaena feeding safer for breeding ruminants. These can be categorised into strategies that reduce the toxicity of mimosine and DHP via detoxification pathways, and strategies that counteract certain effects of toxicity, and so indirectly reduce the impact on reproductive function.