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The Estrogenic Activity of Legume, Grass, and Corn Silage¹

Department of Animal Husbandry, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana

ABSTRACT

It has long been known that pastures vary widely in their ability to maintain high milk production. It has also been recognized that pasture may actually stimulate mammary function (galactopoietic effect) and may improve reproductive efficiency. These desirable properties of forage have been explained in terms of a variety of factors, such as species of plant, stage of growth, seasonal and climatic effects, and protein, vitamin, and fiber content.

Since the report of Loewe and Spohr (6) of the presence of estrogenic activity in the plant kingdom, the estrogen content of many plant materials has been investigated. More than 50 species, including such plants as alfalfa; red, white, and subterranean clover; oats; and rye, have been shown to have estrogenic activity. Bennetts et al. (2) showed that Australian subterranean clover grazed by sheep contained sufficient estrogenic activity to bring about extensive genital and mammary development and to adversely affect reproduction.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Journal Paper No. 880, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.