Research shows that replacing part of grain feed with tropical legumes like cowpea hay increases lamb growth by 16-22% and produces meat that stays fresher and redder during storage. A 2026 study of 48 lambs found that those fed cowpea or a legume mix grew faster, needed less feed to gain weight, and their meat retained better color and quality after 9 days of refrigerated storage compared to lambs on standard grain-based diets.
Researchers tested whether replacing some grain feed with tropical plant legumes could improve lamb meat quality and how well the animals grew. According to Gram Research analysis, lambs fed cowpea hay or a mix of cowpea and pigeon pea grew 16-22% faster and produced meat that stayed fresher longer in the store. The meat from these lambs also had better texture, more healthy fats, and kept its red color better during storage. This finding suggests farmers could use affordable local plants instead of expensive grain while producing higher-quality meat.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 48 Begait lambs found that those fed cowpea hay grew 22% faster than lambs on conventional grain-based feed while requiring 14% less feed to gain the same weight.
Research published in Meat Science in 2026 showed that lamb meat from legume-fed animals retained significantly better red color and lower discoloration after 9 days of refrigerated storage, with mixed legume diets providing the greatest color stability.
A 2026 controlled trial of 48 lambs demonstrated that replacing 15% of grain feed with legume hay increased rib-eye muscle area and lean meat yield while reducing internal fat deposition compared to conventional diets.
According to a 2026 study, meat from lambs fed cowpea or mixed legume diets showed 13-14% reduction in cooking loss and required less force to cut, indicating improved tenderness compared to control-fed lambs.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether replacing some of the grain in lamb feed with tropical plant legumes (cowpea and pigeon pea) would make the lambs grow better and produce better quality meat.
- Who participated: 48 young Begait lambs (a breed from Ethiopia) were divided into four groups and fed different diets for 90 days.
- Key finding: Lambs fed cowpea hay or a mix of both legumes grew 16-22% faster than lambs on regular grain-based feed, and their meat stayed fresher and kept its color better during storage.
- What it means for you: If you buy lamb meat, this research suggests farmers could produce better quality meat using affordable local plants instead of expensive imported grain. The meat would be fresher and higher quality. However, this study was done in Ethiopia with a specific breed, so results may differ in other regions.
The Research Details
Scientists divided 48 young lambs into four equal groups. Each group ate a different diet for 90 days. The first group (control) ate a standard diet of 50% hay and 50% grain. The other three groups ate diets where some grain was replaced with either pigeon pea hay, cowpea hay, or an equal mix of both legumes. This meant the experimental groups ate about 65% hay and 35% grain instead of 50-50.
The researchers measured how fast the lambs grew, how much feed they needed to gain weight, and the quality of their meat after slaughter. They also tested how well the meat kept its red color and freshness when stored in a refrigerator for 9 days, simulating how meat sits in a grocery store.
This type of study is called a controlled experiment because the researchers carefully controlled what each group ate and measured the results under the same conditions. This design is strong for showing cause and effect.
This research matters because it tests whether farmers can use cheaper, locally-grown plants instead of expensive imported grain. If the results hold up, farmers in tropical regions could save money while producing better meat. The study also looked at real-world storage conditions, showing whether the meat would actually stay fresher on store shelves.
The study used a reasonable sample size (48 lambs) and carefully controlled the diet of each group. The researchers measured multiple important outcomes: growth, meat quality, and color stability. However, the study was conducted in one specific location with one breed of lamb, so results might differ in other places or with different lamb breeds. The study lasted 90 days, which is a reasonable timeframe for seeing effects.
What the Results Show
Lambs fed cowpea hay alone grew 22% faster than the control group, while lambs fed the mixed legume diet grew 16% faster. These lambs also needed 13-14% less feed to gain the same amount of weight, meaning farmers would spend less on feed.
The meat from legume-fed lambs was noticeably better quality. The rib-eye muscle (a premium cut) was larger, and the meat had more lean muscle and less internal fat. When cooked, the meat from cowpea and mixed-legume groups lost less water and was more tender (required less force to cut).
The most striking finding was about meat color and freshness. After 9 days of refrigerated storage, meat from all legume-fed groups stayed redder and fresher-looking than the control meat. The mixed legume diet produced the best color stability. This matters because consumers prefer red meat, and meat that looks fresh sells better.
The meat from legume-fed lambs contained more intramuscular fat (fat within the muscle), which improves flavor and tenderness. Lambs fed legumes had less internal fat around organs, which means more of the carcass is usable meat. All three legume diets improved these traits, but cowpea and the mixed diet showed the strongest benefits.
Previous research has shown that legumes can improve animal growth and meat quality, but most studies focused on temperate climates. This study is notable because it tests tropical legumes that grow well in warm regions where many developing countries are located. The finding that legume-based diets improve meat color stability is relatively new and practically important for meat marketing.
The study was conducted with only one breed of lamb (Begait) in one location (Ethiopia), so results may not apply to other lamb breeds or regions. The study lasted only 90 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer. The researchers didn’t measure the cost of the legume feed compared to grain, so we can’t calculate actual savings for farmers. The study also didn’t test consumer preferences or taste, only objective meat quality measures.
The Bottom Line
Farmers in tropical regions should consider replacing 15-30% of grain feed with cowpea hay or a mix of cowpea and pigeon pea hay. This change appears to improve lamb growth, meat quality, and color stability. The evidence is moderately strong for this specific breed and region. Before making large changes, farmers should test the approach on a small scale and monitor results. Confidence level: Moderate (good evidence for this breed and region, but limited testing elsewhere).
Lamb farmers in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Africa and Asia, should pay attention to this research. Meat processors and retailers who want fresher-looking meat should care about the color stability findings. Consumers interested in sustainably-raised meat may appreciate that this approach uses local plants. This research is less relevant for farmers in cold climates or those raising other livestock.
Farmers should expect to see improved growth within 4-6 weeks of switching feed. Meat quality improvements would be visible after the full 90-day feeding period. Color stability improvements would be noticeable immediately when meat is displayed in stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does feeding lambs legume hay instead of grain make the meat better quality?
Yes, a 2026 study found that lambs fed cowpea or mixed legume diets produced meat that was more tender, retained moisture better during cooking, and stayed fresher-looking in storage for 9 days compared to grain-fed lambs.
How much faster do lambs grow when fed legume hay?
Lambs fed cowpea hay grew 22% faster, while those fed a mix of cowpea and pigeon pea grew 16% faster than lambs on standard grain-based diets over a 90-day period.
Can farmers save money by using legume hay instead of grain?
Potentially yes. Lambs fed legumes needed 13-14% less total feed to gain the same weight, suggesting lower feed costs. However, the actual savings depend on local legume and grain prices in your region.
Why does meat from legume-fed lambs stay red longer in the store?
The study didn’t explain the exact reason, but meat from legume-fed lambs showed greater retention of red color and lower discoloration after 9 days of refrigerated storage, possibly due to different muscle chemistry or antioxidants in legumes.
Will these results work for all lamb breeds and regions?
This study tested only Begait lambs in Ethiopia, so results may differ for other breeds or climates. Farmers should test the approach on a small scale before making large changes to their feeding program.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you raise lambs, track weekly weight gain and feed consumption for each group. Record the date you switch feed types and measure lamb weight every 7 days. Compare actual growth rates to the 16-22% improvement found in this study.
- If you’re a farmer, gradually replace 15-30% of your grain feed with locally-available legume hay over 2-3 weeks. Start by mixing the new feed with existing grain to help lambs adjust. Monitor lamb appetite and growth during the transition.
- Track meat color retention by photographing meat samples at purchase and after 5-7 days of refrigerated storage. Compare color changes between batches fed different diets. Record customer feedback about meat appearance and freshness. Monitor feed costs monthly to calculate actual savings.
This research describes results from a controlled study of one lamb breed in one geographic region. Individual results may vary based on local conditions, breed, climate, and management practices. Farmers should consult with local agricultural extension services or veterinarians before making significant changes to animal feed. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. The study measured objective meat quality traits but did not assess all aspects of animal welfare or environmental impact.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.