Birdsfoot trefoil as model for studying the synthesis of condensed tannins

Forage legumes are essential components in the diet of cattle and sheep unless they are fed with rendered animal proteins, which may have consequent serious problems for animal and human health. The most cultivated forage species are lucerne and clovers. However, the large amounts of proteins available from these species are poorly exploited, since they are degraded extensively both by plant proteases and rumen microorganisms where N may be lost through NH3 formation. These degradative phenomena are the basis of a range of different and serious agricultural problems: 1) bloating with consequent risks for the health and the life of animals/ 2) loss of nutritive value and reduced growth of the animals;2 3) pollution of the environment; in fact, excreted ammonia-rich manure is a pollution factor that alters ecological equilibrium and the environment.