*Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow226001, India.
Division of Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar243122, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Malum (Bassia latifolia) seed cake has a bitter taste and pungent smell, which have generally been attributed to the saponin (mowrin) present in this cake.
Repeated water washing of mahum seed cake resulted in almost complete removal of mowrin. Incorporation of such washings in the ration of crossbred calves did not affect the growth and nutrient utilization. Examination of rumen liquor and faecal samples showed that mowrin undergoes degradation in the rumen and the degradation products are excreted in the faeces. Blood samples did not show even the traces of mowrin or its degradation products. Results of the study tend to show that mowrin is not toxic to animals when consumed orally at as high a level as 94 g/animal/d.
