Care should be taken in Feeding Sweet Clover
As feed sources tighten this winter, many producers are pulling hay from their reserves which in some cases include sweet clover. Because of this many questions have been asked of its safety in feeding rations. As many cattle and sheep herds enter late gestation, one should be careful if feeding sweet clover. Although it has not been a problem, one should be aware of the possibility of sweet clover poisoning
What causes sweet clover poisoning?
Whenever sweet clover is improperly cured or is spoiled, poisoning is possible. Not all moldy sweet clover is toxic, and the absence of observable mold is not absolute assurance that the forage is safe. An analysis of the forage is the only definitive measurement of risk. In sweet clover coumarol is converted to the toxic substance dicoumarol. This becomes a problem with the synthesis of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for liver function, necessary to prevent the seepage of blood from the circulatory system and to establish blood clotting. Without vitamin K, the blood will not clot properly after an injury, and this is why sweet clover poisoning is also called sweet clover bleeding disease.
How should I feed sweet clover if I suspect it is toxic?
When sweet clover is suspected of being toxic it may be fed for 7 to 10 days and then replaced with alfalfa or other forage for an equal period of time. Sweet clover should not be fed for at least two weeks before or during the calving period. Supplementation with vitamin K will aid in counteracting the effects of dicoumarin but is less practical than replacing the sweet clover forage with other forages.
I have some old sweet clover, is it safe to feed?
Toxic levels of dicoumarin in sweet clover forage may remain for 3 to 4 years of storage. Dicoumarin toxicity has never been observed in other clovers or alfalfa. If animals are fed sweet clover forage for three weeks with no signs of toxicity being exhibited, the chances of toxicity are unlikely.
For many years sweet clover has found its way into rations through CRP hay or as a following year crop to cereal grain forage. With proper management, it will fit into many producers feeding programs. For more resources on feeding sweet clover and the publications used for this article, please visit www.richland.org/extension/livestock.htm or call the Richland County Extension Office at 433-1206
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