LegumePlus is a 4 year research project funded by the EU. Kicking off in 2012, its key objectives are to further investigate how bioactive forage legumes, in particular sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), can improve protein utilisation in ruminant livestock farming. Of equal importance is the ability of these legumes to combat parasitic nematodes. Finally, the project reflects the need to respect nitrogen use and losses, methane emissions and utimate food quality with a focus on milk, cheese and meat.

The €4m project is coordinated by Prof. Irene Mueller-Harvey of Reading University in the UK and is generously funded by the Marie Curie Research Training Network. 14 partners, employing 16 research fellows, from across Europe are involved, with researchers and experts from these academic institutions and commercial organisations contributing to training and research packages.