Lupin/Flakes Meal.
Introduction
Grown as a break crop, lupins produce small yellow/brown peas which are flaked or milled. There are three flowering types: white, yellow and blue. Lupin seed meal is often an economic alternative to soybean meal and rapeseed meal. Amino acid supplementation along with enzyme addition and processing have removed any performance reducing effects of the past and now low alkaloid sweet varieties are available.
Origin
Australia, Europe, S. E. Asia.
Nutritional Information
Good protein source (32%). It is essential that the lupin peas are processed prior to feeding to remove the fibrous seed coat which, if allowed to remain in feed, will affect the chemical analysis. Mostly white and yellow flowering varieties are used to make the meal. NB. Methionine supplementation may be required and lysine availability raised across species.
Colour/Texture
Cream/grey flakes or meal,
Palatability
There are both sweet and unpalatable varieties.
Limits on Usage
Alkaloids are present in bitter varieties and are toxic but this is generally not a problem in new varieties. High fibre level makes it poorly digested by young monogastrics. Low in Methionine and even Lysine.
Recommended Maximum Inclusion Rates %
Calf 7.5 Creep 0 Chick 0
Dairy 12.5 Weaner 0 Broiler 5
Beef 15 Grower 0 Breeder 7.5
Lamb 2.5 Finisher 7.5 Layer 7.5
Ewe 12.5 Sow 7.5    
Handling/Storage
Must be rolled, ground or flaked prior to feeding. Enzyme addition may also be required to break down non-starch polysaccharides. High oil level will mean they may go rancid quickly after milling. Heat processing may allow high intake levels. Soaking in water can improve performance in broilers.