CLINICAL CHANGES IN OVARIECTOMIZED EWES EXPOSED TO PHYTOESTROGENS AND17-BETA-ESTRADIOL IMPLANTS

Eight Swedish Finewool Landrace ewes, ovariectomized 5 months earlier and kept on nonestrogenic hay, were each fed 3.5 kg red clover silage, corresponding to 6.1 g phytoestrogens (of which 3.5 g was formononeti n) per day, for 14 days in November (short days). In January (short da ys), two groups (3 each) of these ewes received one or two 17 beta-est radiol sc implants. In May (long days), one of two new groups (4 each) of these ewes was reexposed to phytoestrogens for another 14 days whi le the other served as a control. Physical examination of ewes for cha nges in reproductive organs was carried out two or three times per wee k during each feeding/treatment, and continued until observed changes disappeared. Clinically significant changes occurred in the reproducti ve organs of ewes fed red clover. Vulva color changed from pale to pin k and red, and there were enlargements of the vulva, uterus, and udder . In addition, test length and circumference increased, and secretion of milky fluid began. These changes were similar, but more pronounced during treatment with 17 beta-estradiol, particularly teat circumferen ce. The changes in vulva were more dramatic in May than in November an d resembled those observed in ewes treated with estradiol. Our data sh ow that a daily intake of 3.5 g formononetin for 14 days caused the in crease of teat sire and changes in the color of the vulva and in uteru s weight in ovariectomized ewes.