Leaf protein concentrates from Lablab purpureus cv. Rongai

The performance of Lablab purpureus for the production of leaf protein conc entrates (LPC) during the flowering period (10-13 weeks) was studied using a random block design with 4 replications. The legume was sown in a typical red ferra llitic soil and protein extraction was carried out at pH 4.5 and 85 degrees C. The highest forage, LPC and fibrous residues yield were show n at 12 and 13 weeks. Forage production reached 7.92 t DM/ha with 16.28% of CP. The LPC yield was of 385.11 kg DM/ha contributing 44.07% CP and that o f the fibrous residues was of 5.24 t DM/ha with 16.09% CP at 13 weeks. The crude protein percentage extracted did not vary during this period. It is c oncluded that 12 and 13 weeks should be used for the production of LPC in t his species. Further nutritional biochemistry studies of the products and b yproducts of the process are needed to consider its possible use as a non-c onventional feeding source.