FieldDxPhytoestrogen toxicosisClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in sheep.
Overview
A reproductive disorder of grazing sheep and cattle from estrogen-mimicking plant compounds. Plant-derived compounds (phytoestrogens, e.g. from clover) that mimic estrogen and disrupt normal reproductive function.
Clinical signs
- Ewes Clover disease, the severe clinical manifestation of phytoestrogen poisoning, and rarely seen today, includes dystocia, prolapse of the uterus or vagina, severe infertility, and death.
Predisposing factors
- Occurrence Animals on pasture are at the greatest risk, but poisoning can also occur on diets containing prepared feeds such as soybean (Glycine max) meal, or moldy feed containing Fusarium fungi.
Treatment
Administration of testosterone is a logical response to poisoning but appears to be an unlikely commercial proposition.
Drugs mentioned: Testosterone
Prevention
Avoidance of high estrogenic activity strains of the respective plants, grazing management to avoid dangerous pasture at the most toxic part of the season, and dilution of the estrogen intake by providing additional and alternative feeds, are all used to control the disease.
Source
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER — Phytoestrogen Toxicosis
MSD Veterinary Manual — Phytoestrogens (accessed 2026-08-11)
Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.