Date Time
Warning to watch for oestrogenic subclover
As spring approaches and sub-clover pastures reach maximum growth rates, producers are encouraged to look out for high oestrogen sub-clovers in pastures grazed by sheep to protect the health of their mob.
Sub-clovers with high levels of oestrogen can negatively affect sheep reproductive health. These pastures have been linked to increased rates of infertility, stillbirths and uterine prolapse in ewes, as well as increased lamb mortality.
High oestrogen sub-clovers are still commonly found in pastures throughout southern Australia. Around 20-25% of all pastures surveyed contained or were dominated by these old clover cultivars, including Yarloop, Dwalganup, Geraldton and Dinninup cultivars.