An Outlook on Winged Bean Tubers ( Psophocarpus tetragonolobus ) as a Sustainable Feed Resource for Ruminant Production in Tropical Agriculture

Winged bean tubers ( Psophocarpus tetragonolobus ) contain 12–25% crude protein and 25–30% starch on a dry matter basis, supporting their potential as an alternative energy–protein source in tropical ruminant systems. Recent breeding programs have developed improved varieties, including W018 and W099, with tuber yields reaching 22.4 t/ha under favorable conditions. These advances address previous constraints related to low productivity and variable composition. Processing strategies have been evaluated to improve ruminal utilization. In vitro studies indicate that replacing cassava chips with 66–100% winged bean tuber did not adversely affect rumen fermentation when diets were properly balanced. Fermentation with Crabtree‐negative yeasts increased in vitro dry matter digestibility and enhanced volatile fatty acid production, particularly propionate concentration. Pelleting enabled up to 100% replacement of corn meal in concentrate diets without impairing rumen fermentation parameters in beef cattle. Steam modification reduced ruminal starch degradability and increased bypass starch availability. In vivo evidence shows that partial substitution of cassava chips with 10–20% steam‐modified tuber improved dry matter intake, nitrogen retention, and fiber digestibility. Current findings support the technical feasibility of winged bean tuber as a feed ingredient in tropical production systems. Nevertheless, seasonal yield variation and limited long‐term animal trials indicate the need for continued agronomic improvement and further in vivo validation.