Phytoestrogen Content of Birdsfoot Trefoil and Red Clover: Effects of Growth Stage and Ensiling Method |
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| Authors: | Linda Sarelli Mikko Tuori Ilkka Saastamoinen Liisa Syrjälä-qvist Hannu Saloniemi |
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| Institution: | 1. University of Helsinki , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science , FIN-00014 , P.O. Box 57 , University of Helsinki;2. University of Helsinki , Department of Animal Science , FIN-00014 , P.O. Box 28 , University of Helsinki |
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| Abstract: | The phytoestrogen content of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) was determined. In addition, the effects of growth stage, wilting and ensiling additives on content were studied. Birdsfoot trefoil raw material and silage contained only traces of phytoestrogens. In red clover raw material and silage, the phytoestrogen content varied from 0.8% to 1.1% of dry matter. Content was affected by growth stage of the plant and wilting. Formononetin concentration decreased as the plant matured from budding to flowering stage, and wilting from 25% to 40% of dry matter content decreased genistein and biochanin A content. The phytoestrogen content of red clover silage was 18% higher than that of raw material. Silage additives also affected the content. Silage ensiled with an additive containing Lactobacillus plantarum bacterial inoculate had higher concentrations of genistein and biochanin A than silage made with formic acid. |
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| Keywords: | biochanin A formononetin genistein Lotus corniculatus silage Trifolium pratense |
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