Seeds produced by plants of the genus Vicia, especially V. sativa, common vetch. High in protein, making them a popular feed for ruminants. Resemble lentils when split, making them a potential low cost substitute for lentils in human nutrition. However, there is concern over toxicity to monogastric species due to the presence of neurotoxins such as γ- glutamyl-β-cyanoalanine and other precursors of cyanide formation. Toxins may be removed by appropriate steeping and cooking procedures.