Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
The oestrogenic isoflavones genistein, biochanin-A and formononetin, as well as the coumestan derivative coumestrol, were identified by thin-layer, paper and gas chromatography in berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) grown in Israel. Under the conditions studied, the concentration of these oestrogens in the berseem clover (total < 0·01% in the dry matter) was considerably lower than those found in clover species known to be associated with infertility in ruminants.