Ruminant meat production and quality enhancement, nematode suppression and greenhouse gas emission mitigation: A sustainable paradigm for valorisation of Acacia leaves

The rising global demand for meat coupled with increased losses and wastes in the meat supply chain, consumer sophistication and climate change has prompted the search for novel, nonconventional feed resources that can simultaneously improve animal health, production, and meat quality and reduce emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). Among prospective feed resources are invasive Australian Acacias (IAA) whose leaves are rich in nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals. Adopting a new paradigm shift from disposing Acacia leaves as waste to their valorisation as feeds, rumen modifiers, nematode suppressants, and biopreservatives in ruminant meat production could be a more sustainable management strategy of IAA. The nutritional and phytochemical profiles of Acacia leaves and their bioactivity and efficacy in reducing GHG emissions and enhancing meat production and quality has, however, not been fully documented. The present review, therefore, compiles and summarises the nutritional and phytochemical compositions, bioactivity and efficacy profiles of IAA leaf-meals on meat production and quality enhancement, nematode suppression and greenhouse gas emission mitigation. The review also highlights benefits and costs associated with valorisation of IAA for ruminant meat production. Valorisation of IAA leaves has potential to unlock new value chains for the ruminant industries to progress towards sustainable meat production systems.

Automated summary

The rising global demand for meat and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to the search for alternative feed resources. Australian Acacias (IAA) are potential feed resources that can improve animal health and meat quality while reducing emissions. This review explores the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of IAA, their effects on meat production and quality, nematode suppression, and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The valorisation of IAA leaves has the potential to create sustainable value chains in the ruminant industry.