Comprehensive review of benefits and risks from feeding fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum) to bovines

Abstract

Importance of the work: This work standardize fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
processing and dosage, ensuring consistent gains in metabolic efficiency and methane
mitigation without compromising animal health or product quality. Establishing these precise
details transforms a natural variable additive into a reliable, evidence-based supplementation
for sustainable bovine production.
Objectives: To critically assess the benefits, limitations and practical conditions for the safe
use of fenugreek in bovine production.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including
Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus for articles and reviews published between 1991 and
2025.
Results: Fenugreek consistently reduced enteric methane production (10.2–62.2%) and
enhanced nutrient digestibility and energy efficiency by shifting rumen fermentation
toward propionate. At the molecular level, it upregulated antioxidant capacity and energy
production pathways. Compared to raw seeds, the germinated seeds significantly improved
growth efficiency (up to 22.18% weight gain) and reproductive traits. These benefits were
dose-sensitive, appearing at approximately 0.23 g/kg of body weight, whereas negligible
doses (approximately 0.004 g/kg) failed to produce responses. Documented risks include
compromised organoleptic quality of animal products and severe pathologies from highvolume intake, such as peripheral neuropathy, muscular hemorrhages and liver inflammation.
Main finding: Safe application of fenugreek requires strict adherence to processing methods
and precise inclusion levels. Practical implementation should prioritize germinated seeds to
maximize bioavailability; however, high-volume feeding of straw should be avoided to mitigate
documented neurological perils and to maintain the organoleptic quality of meat and milk.