10-minute talks - Is grazing your medic and Lucerne pastures putting your ewes’ fertility at risk? скачать в хорошем качестве

10-minute talks - Is grazing your medic and Lucerne pastures putting your ewes’ fertility at risk?

In this 10-minute talk Deb Scammell, from Talking Livestock from discusses the effects of Coumestrol on ewe fertility. Coumestrol is a compound that has phyto-oestrogenic properties which means it can bind to oestrogen receptors, interfering with the ewe’s natural oestrus. Coumestrol is often present in annual medic and lucerne species at low levels while the plants are healthy and vegetative. However, if infected with disease, such as powdery mildew or black stem disease, or if under moisture stress or insect attack, coumestrol levels can rise significantly. They can also rise as plants come into flowering and podding. Coumestrol levels can also be high in medic species once senesced and can be found in medic and lucerne hay. If you are grazing medic or lucerne pastures prior to joining, it is worth double checking the coumestrol levels to ensure it’s not going to have an impact on ewe fertility. Information from Stock Journal Technical Column, December 2025. For more information visit: https://www.sheepconnectsa.com.au/sto... This 10-minute talk was supported by: Australian Wool Innovation SA Sheep Industry Fund Department of Primary Industries and Regions