Smart Man’s Sericea Lespedeza and Worm Control: A Review

Abstract

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don.) has historically been called "poor man's alfalfa", because of its ability to grow on marginal soil with the minimal inputs of lime or fertilizer. With recent research detailing the potential health benefits of this forage to animals, it may be time for a new nickname. Although sericea lespedeza has been used for soil conservation and as an inexpensive (low-input) source of pasture or hay crop for nearly 100 years, research over the last 10-15 years has demonstrated the excellent bioactivity of this plant against infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus contortus) and protozoan parasites (Eimeria spp.) in livestock. This bioactivity, which has been attributed to a unique type of condensed tannins (CT), has been confirmed in both fresh (grazed) and dried (hay, meal, pellets) forms of sericea lespedeza in a number of studies with sheep, goats, and cattle. There is on-going research with this forage to determine the effect of ensiling on its bioactive properties and to validate its anti-parasitic effects on-farm. Future research will focus on determining the mode of action of sericea lespedeza tannins against internal parasites and the interplay between the nutritional value and the health benefits of this plant.

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza juncea var. sericea) for sustainable small ruminant production: Feed, helminth suppressant and meat preservation capabilities

“…Lespedeza juncea var. sericea was named "poor man's lucerne" and later "smart man's lucerne" owing to its ability to thrive in low quality soils without fertiliser application while bearing many animal and human beneficial functions (Fair, 2014;Terrill and Mosjidis, 2017). In this review, L. juncea var.…”

“…1), but native to Australia, China, India, Japan, and Taiwan (EPPO, 2019). The first planting of SL outside its natural habitat was in south eastern United States of America (USA) in late 19 th century (EPPO, 2019;Terrill and Mosjidis, 2017). It has, however, been declared a noxious weed in various states in the USA (EPPO, 2019).…”

“…Their long taproot enables water extraction from deep within the soil, thereby improving vigour and survival during dry periods (Mkhatshwa and Hoveland, 1991). Additionally, the deep root system fixes nitrogen in the soil and utilises soil-bound phosphorus, which is biologically unavailable for use by other plants, thus reducing the need for external application of inorganic fertilisers (Mkhatshwa and Hoveland, 1991;Terrill and Mosjidis, 2017). Due to heavy seed production, strong seedling vigour and persistence, SL has potential to outcompete native species in some ecosystems resulting in formation of dense woody and fibrous thickets, potentially becoming invasive if underutilised (Muir et al, 2017a(Muir et al, , 2017b.…”

“…Traditionally, roots and aerial parts of SL were used in Asian ethnomedicine for treatment of asthma, abscesses, some cancers and protection of liver and kidney function in humans (Kim and Kim, 2010;Kim et al, 2011). Despite being introduced for soil conservation (i.e., prevention of soil erosion, reclamation of minefields and roadsides) in USA, it was also used as forage and for prophylaxis of bloat and helminths in livestock (Terrill et al, 2012;Terrill and Mosjidis, 2017). Sericea lespedeza may be used in rotational grazing systems in an integrated anthelmintic control plan (Burke et al, 2012a;Terrill et al, 2012).…”

“…sericea is characterised by moderate contents of crude protein (CP), fibre, minerals and vitamins (Acharya et al, 2019;Ding et al, 2006;Kim and Kim, 2010;Moore et al, 2008), and diverse composition of physiologically active compounds such as condensed tannins (CT), flavonoids and sterols (Kim and Kim, 2010;Kim et al, 2011). Owing to its moderate nutritional and high bioactive potential, the focus is now shifting from its eradication as an invasive species to utilisation as a multipurpose legume to improve animal health, meat production and quality (Terrill et al, 2012;Terrill and Mosjidis, 2017). However, adoption of L. juncea var.…”