Fenugreek - a Dietary Alternative Component in Animal Feed

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds are used in animal and human nutrition because of its therapeutic properties. More often the seeds are used as powder, oils or extracts, as food or medicine ingredients. Fenugreek leaves contains carbohydrates, proteins and minerals – especial calcium, being low in lipids; while the seeds are rich in proteins, dietary fibres and gums, vitamins and minerals – especially iron. Traditional medicine demonstrated fenugreek efficiency in medical prevention and some diseases treatments, the oils or extracts having antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory and antitumor activity. Also, fenugreek has very good action on lymphatic system, favouring the circulation of nutrients into the cells and removing the toxic or residual components from the cells. Due to some hormone precursors, fenugreek seeds are used successfully for increasing milk secretion and excretion, both in humans and animals. The seeds are used in fish, domestic rabbits and ruminants’ diet, and could be an alternative component of feed for different farm animals due to digestion benefice and texture of feed. Leaves and seeds are used in production of extruded products, or as feed stabilizer, emulsifying and adhesive agent, flavouring (artificial maple syrup, condiment), colouring (yellow), texture (due to fibres, galactomannans and gums) and other organoleptic properties of feed.

Keywords

• animal feed
• fenugreek
• therapeutic properties