Coumestrol content of lucerne under drought stress

Abstract

The response of coumestrol to water stress was assessed in two lucerne cultivars 'Wairau' and 'Kaituna'. Coumestrol content of lucerne is of importance because of its ingestion by ewes prior to and during the mating period can decrease ovulation rate. Some farmers take the conservative approach of removeing animals from wilted lucerne during this period in case of evaluated coumestrol, but evidence for or against this practsie is lacking.