Re: Clover

["Duncan Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

The equine toxicologist at Washington State University would rate the
toxicity of alsike clover higher. It is one of the more common toxicities in
the Pacific NW. The photosensitivity is caused by phylloerythrin which is a
metabolite of chlorophyll which is present in all green plants. This is
normally  destroyed by the liver but alsike clover contains a liver toxin
which impairs liver function resulting in a buildup of phyllerythrin and the
resulting photosensitivity.

Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net


----- Original Message -----
From: <guest@endurance.net>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2000 3:53 PM
Subject: RC: Clover


> K S SWIGART   katswig@earthlink.net
>
> I found this little tidbit about aslike (and other) clovers.
>
> "18. ALSIKE CLOVER
>
> Trifolium hybridum
>
> (pea family)
>
>
> TOXICITY RATING: Low.
>
>
> ANIMALS AFFECTED: All grazing animal may be affected.
>
>
> DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All green parts (when dewy).
>
>
> CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, photodermatitis (sunburn or
sunscald).
>
>
> PLANT DESCRIPTION: These perennial legumes (fig. 18) are commonly grown
for pasture or hay and may be found as escapes in fields, roadsides, and
waste areas. They have the familiar three-parted clover leaf. The flowers
are axillary, not terminal as in red clover, and are pink to white in a
clover head.
>
>
> SIGNS: This is not a commonly reported toxicity, and is usually not
serious even if toxicity occurs. It is unknown if the wet clover causes
problems by contact or ingestion. The typical signs associated with alsike
clover are gastrointestinal distress, including mild colic and diarrhea.
Photodermatitis ("sunburn") is also possible, especially on the parts of the
body that contact the wet grass (lower legs, mouth). Liver damage has been
suggested, but not well-verified. This syndrome, which can be caused by
plants in addition to alsike, is sometimes called "dew poisoning" or
"trifoliosis".
>
>
> In rare cases, the sunburn may spread to the entire body, especially in
lightly pigmented areas. Newly shorn sheep may be particularly at risk.
Large amounts of alsike must be consumed before serious body-wide sunscald
develops.
>
>
> FIRST AID: Remove the animals from the pastures especially in the early
morning when the plants are dew-covered. Animals severely affected by
sunscald need to be kept out of the sun until recovered (turn them out at
night). Care for gastrointestinal and sunburned areas symptomatically. Call
a veterinarian if signs are severe or if the animal does not recover in a
day or two.
>
>
> SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Alsike clover is safe when dry, therefore
prepared feeds containing alsike is safe for consumption.
>
>
> PREVENTION: Keep sensitive animals off alsike pastures in the early
morning or during wet weather. Provide other feed if animals are consuming
large quantities of the clover and if they are showing clinical signs.
Keeping the pastures mowed will lessen the effects of the toxicity for
sensitive animals.
>
>
[snip]