METABOLISM OF ESTROGENIC ISOFLAVONES IN DOMESTIC-ANIMALS

The metabolism of estrogenic isoflavones in cattle and sheep is review ed. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies are discussed, mainly re garding whether differences in sensitivity to phytoestrogens between c attle and sheep depend on differences in metabolism, particularly in c onjugative capacity. Results from a feeding experiment with pigs fed r ed clover meal are presented. Levels of phytoestrogens in plasma from the pig are compared with those found in plasma from ruminants fed red clover silage. Some aspects relating to the possibility of pigs being exposed to risks when fed with feed containing estrogenic isoflavones are briefly discussed.