Projects
Protein extraction from lucerne and clover for broiler and pig feed Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Can we extract the crude protein from the leguminous plants alfalfa (lucerne) and red clover, which are both green fodder crops with well known cultivation techniques, in order to mix that protein into the rations of (organic) pigs and poultry? We are answering this question in the LUZEX project. In livestock farming, there has been a demand for some time now for more, locally grown protein in rations. ...
Low protein feeding for beef cattle Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
How can livestock producers provide substantiated evidence for the correct application of low protein feeding of beef cattle as an ammonia emission reduction measure based on a user-friendly and efficient methodology? That is the central research question in ELP-Beef. Previous research has shown that lowering protein in beef cattle rations has a significant impact on NH3 emissions from these ...
Upstream regulators of the plant energy sensor SnRK1 KU Leuven
Plants arguably are the most crucial organisms to support life on Earth because of their conversion of electro-magnetic energy (sunlight) into chemical energy (energy-rich carbohydrates) by photosynthesis and the associated release of oxygen. In addition, they produce innumerable renewable food, feed, fiber and fuel products and resources for mankind. Unlike most other organisms, autotrophic plants have a sessile (rooted) lifestyle. It is ...
Breeding of white clover Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
White clover is a perennial, protein-rich forage crop which is suitable for mixed cropping with forage grasses. It is a highly palatable crop that can be exploited under grazing as well as mowing. White clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen, which allows to reduce synthetic nitrogen fertilizer applications to the grass-clover mixture without affecting forage yield. The goal of this long-term breeding program is to ...
Red clover breeding Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Red clover is a perennial, protein-rich forage legume that improves soil quality through nitrogen fixation. The crop has a low persistence and is sensitive to a number of diseases, such as mildew (Erysiphe trifolii), clover rust (Uromyces trifolii) and clover rot (Sclerotinia trifoliorum). The aim of the program is to create improved varieties through conventional breeding. Important ...
Quinoa breeding Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Quinoa is a protein-rich pseudo-cereal with a high potential for the agricultural sector and the food industry in Flanders. There is a high demand for varieties adapted to North-West European climatological and cultivation conditions. The goal of this breeding program is to develop sweet quinoa varieties (e.g. low content of bitter substances) with high and stable yield and improved resistance to downy ...
Beans for the love of Leuven Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
In the context of protein diversification, farmers want to respond to the market demand for more plant-based proteins produced regionally. But often the producer lacks a clear market perspective. On the other hand, the food processing industry and consumers lack information on the possibilities with locally produced protein crops but we currently lack the necessary intermediate stakeholders to ...
Establishing structure-function relationships for faba bean proteins in food system KU Leuven
A highly relevant topic in the global food system is the (partial) shift from animal to plant protein based foods. To facilitate this shift, fundamental knowledge on structure-function relationships of novel plant proteins is urgently needed. Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) are an emerging plant protein crop because they (i) can effectively fixate nitrogen, (ii) are rich in proteins (ca. 30%) of high nutritional quality (amino acid composition and ...
Crop diversification for forage production on animal farms: focus on forage sorgho and mixed cropping of silage maize-climbing beans Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
The aim of the project Farmers’ Benefits is to diversify crops used as forage in livestock farming. By diversification of cultivated crops, the often narrow crop rotation of silage maize and grass or the monoculture of maize on certain fields can be expanded. ILVO explores two alternatives: forage sorghum and mixed cropping of silage maize with climbing beans. Special attention will be given ...