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Coumestrol in Alfalfa as a Factor in Growth and Carcass Quality in Lambs¹

Oregon State University, Corvallis

E. M. Bickoff and G. O. Kohler

Western Utilization Research and Development Division ARS, U.S.D.A., Albany, California

Abstract

Four feeding trials with lambs fed varying amounts of alfalfa coumestrol are described, progressing from use of crude alfalfa meals through acetone extracts of different coumestrol potency to a final test of isolated coumestrol itself.

In general, a trend toward a positive growth response to elevated coumestrol levels was obtained with wether lambs, but not with ewes.

Marked increases in teat length and in seminal vesicle and pituitary weights were obtained in animals fed the higher levels of coumestrol.

Organoleptic tests consistently demonstrated improved tenderness and juiciness scores from lamb roasts from animals fed high-coumestrol diets.

The response from coumestrol, as compared with that of DES, and the implication of a number of dietary and extraneous factors upon the bio-potency of dietary coumestrol are discussed.

¹ Technical Paper No.1958,Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station.