Recent work on the agronomy and the genetic make-up of a new strain of lupin, which could be grown on almost half the agricultural land in England and Wales, has resulted in improvements in the yield and protein content of lupins. The protein content of lupins, at 37 % of the dry matter, is higher than that of either peas or beans and therefore lupins could be an important source of home-grown protein. There is little information available on the potential of new strains of lupins as a protein source in the feed of ruminants, particularly in conjunction with forage maize.