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Simple Summary: This study was designed to determine the contents of nutrients and some anti-nutritional factors in the seeds of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and the variation of phenotypic and morphological traits in field studies of 44 European accessions, originating from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, and Germany and grown in the same soil-climate conditions. The results of the research showed that common vetch seeds may be valuable protein-rich feed stuff, but their nutritional usefulness is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors. Agricultural research has traditionally focused on staple crops, while relatively little attention has been given to minor crops. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutrient contents and some anti-nutritional factors in the seeds of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and the variation of phenotypic and morphological traits in field studies of 44 European accessions, originating from Russia, Ukraine, Poland (east and east-central Europe), the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary (south-central Europe), and Germany (west-central Europe) and grown in the same soil-climate conditions. A three-year field study was conducted from 2010 to 2012. Accessions originating from west-central Europe flowered three days earlier than those from south-central Europe. They also had the lowest seed number per pod (5.9) but the highest thousand seed weight (58 g) (p < 0.05). Vetch lines coming from south-central Europe contained the highest level of crude protein in comparison with vetch seeds originating from west-central Europe (353 vs. 324 g kg−1, respectively) (p < 0.05), but the latter had the highest essential amino acid index value (75 vs. 71 in west-central Europe and south-central Europe, respectively) (p < 0.05). The highest protein level was noted in the seeds of Slovak origin (average 358 g kg−1), whereas the lowest protein level (324 g kg−1) was determined in the Russian and German lines. Vetch grain fat was rich in linoleic (53%) and linolenic (14%) acids. The best n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (4) and the highest α-linolenic acid level were exhibited by the Slovak and Polish accessions (p < 0.05). The seeds of vetch accessions from east, east-central, and south-central Europe contained higher levels of (p < 0.05) iron than those originating from west-central Europe. The concentration of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, and hydrogen cyanide reached on average 8, 3, and 81 mg kg−1, respectively. The highest hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels was determined in the accessions of German and Russian origin (126 and 119 mg kg−1, respectively), and the lowest values were noted in the Slovak and Polish lines (50 and 67 mg HCN kg−1, respectively). Furthermore, the Polish accessions contained the lowest levels of tannins and trypsin inhibitors. Common vetch seeds may be valuable protein feed/food stuff, but their nutritional usefulness is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors, especially HCN, which is difficult to remove. Further selection in this direction may be postulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extraction of leaf protein is an attractive solution to the demand for protein feed. • High nutritional value of leaf protein for monogastric animals. • Overview of leaf protein extraction methods. • Integration of leaf protein production within green biorefineries. • Self-sufficient and sustainable agricultural systems for feed production. Photosynthetic active green leaves from grasses, legumes and other plants contain in general high amounts of proteins, which can be utilized by ruminants or in many cases are wasted. Extraction of proteins from leaves represents an attractive solution to the increasing demand for protein-rich feed for monogastric animals, while decreasing the dependency on soybean imports. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for organic products produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial chemicals. Leaf proteins extracted from organically grown crops, especially legumes could be attractive as animal feed. Even though a lot of research was carried out in this field previously, recent technological development and biotechnological advances together with the increasing demand may facilitate the industrial implementation of leaf protein extraction processes nowadays. This review focuses on the concept of leaf protein and its history, the different methods for the extraction of proteins from leaves, and the nutritional value of the leaf protein concentrates for feeding monogastric animals. Furthermore, the review focuses on the potential integration of leaf protein extraction within green biorefineries, where freshly harvested leafy plant material is processed into a broad range of products, including feed, food, chemicals, materials and biofuels. The integration of production of leaf protein concentrates within green biorefineries will encourage the establishment of production facilities, also focusing on utilization of the different residue streams. Thereby such green biorefineries can contribute to the development of more self-sufficient and sustainable agricultural systems in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]