The mulberry protein industry in China

Mulberry (Morus alba), a woody forage shrub with a long history of human usage, not only has rich nutritional and ecological value but also grows rapidly and has strong adaptability. The crude protein content of mulberry leaves can be at least 20% of that found in good quality forage such as alfalfa, white clover, and perennial ryegrass. The crude protein yield of mulberry is 5.04 t·ha⁻¹ per year, whereas the crude fiber content is 43% of that of alfalfa, and the effective degradability of crude protein and dry matter is approximately 70%. The proteins in mulberry leaves comprise 18 types of amino acid, which is similar to the number found in soybean. As a high-quality feed for herbivores, mulberry leaves can not only improve the productivity of livestock but also enhance the crop diversity of agricultural systems, promote the coupling of grass and livestock, and improve the productivity and stability of grassland agriculture. As a rich and comprehensive source of nutrients with unique functional properties, mulberry forage has considerable development potential and utilization value.