Cyanogenesis, tannins and the oestrogenic activity of Trifolium Ambiguum : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in the University of Canterbury [Lincoln College]

Abstract

Surveys of various biochemical aspects of Trifolium ambiguum herbage were performed. The lines of T. ambiguum used were c.v. Summit, C.P.I. 51140, C.P.I. 51140 x 51139, c.v. Prairie, C.P.I. 57353 and C.P.I. 50329. The hexaploids were found to be the only lines which were cyanogenic. The slow reaction of these hexaploids indicated the presence of substrate but no enzyme to speed the release of hydrogen cyanide. None of the lines tested were found to contain tannins. This indicated that T. ambiguum would be of little use in preventing bloat in cattle. The oestrogenic content and activity of T. ambiguum herbage was studied using chromatography and bioassay procedures. Chromatography indicated that less than 0.1 percent of the herbage dry matter was the weakly oestrogenic compound formononetin. A mouse uterine bioassay indicated that T. ambiguum herbage was non-oestrogenic to mice when compared with diethyl stilboestrol, a potent synthetic oestrogen.