Seasonal oestrogenic activity of various legumes

Abstract

SUMMARYOestrogenic activity was recorded by teat length extension in wether lambs grazing red clover S. 123 in September and October 1965 and between 21 April and the end of October 1966. The number of lambs born alive to ewes grazing red clover (S. 123) for the 2 weeks prior to mating and for 4 weeks after mating was reduced. Oestrogenic activity was also recorded in wether lambs on lucerne var. Eynsford and on white clover S. 100 from mid-June to mid-October 1966.Oestrogenic activity was confirmed in red clover, but not in lucerne, by mouse bioassay. Slight oestrogenic activity was shown in one white clover sample only.