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The Estrogenic Activity of Alfalfa and other Feedstuffs¹

Purdue University Agricultural Experimental Station

Abstract

The estrogenic activity of alfalfa was compared at different stages of maturity in four crops during the Spring and Summer of 1954. There was considerable fluctuation in activity at different stages of maturity in the spring growth (first crop). There was a highly significant increase in estrogen in the early budding stage, followed by a decline until one fourth bloom. The estrogenic activity then remained relatively high throughout bloom and during the seed head stage. The pattern of estrogenic activity in relation to stage of maturity during the second, third and fourth crops was considerably different than during the spring growth. In the second crop activity remained low until the dough state and in the third and fourth crops tended to increase after budding. In all three crops estrogenic activity was less than in the spring growth. Alfalfa leaves were more active than the flowers and the stems had the least activity.

Significant estrogenic activity was detected in ladino clover, red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, wheat, rye and oats. The samples of sweet clover, soybean plant, brome grass, fescue and orchard grass did not contain detectable estrogenic activity.

Fish solubles, fish meal, and dried distillers solubles were not estrogenic. Soybean oil meal and moldy corn contained detectable estrogens.

It appears that there is considerable variation in estrogenic activity between and within plant species and that differences in season, stage of growth and other environmental factors may affect hormonal activity.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Journal Paper No. 888, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana.

² The authors express their appreciation to Dr. George O. Kohler of the Cerophyl Laboratories and Mr. Joseph Chrisman of the American Dehydrators Association for some of the grass and legume samples.