Bloat in cattle

摘要

Abstract A detailed survey of flavanol content in Lotus pedunculatus, and less detailed studies of 13 other species and one hybrid of Lotus, have revealed variation both within species (L. pedunculatus and L. corniculatus) and among species. Mean flavanol content in L. pedunculatus was greater in late summer than in winter. Individual plants of L. pedunculatus showed different reactions to the seasonal change; 47% showed increased, 44% constant, and 9% decreased flavanol content in late summer. Winter mean flavanol content of L. pedunculatus was not significantly different from that of L. corniculatus. Occasional plants of several lines of L. pedunculatus and 19% of one line lacked flavanols in winter, but all plants had flavanols in late summer. The significance of these results is discussed with reference to further studies of bloat.