Term Bird's-foot trefoil
Category Herbs
Definition Bird's-foot trefoil is a yellow-flowering legume found in meadows and pastures. In small quantities, it can be a component of species-rich horse pastures.
Effects & Benefits Bird's-foot trefoil provides protein and phytochemicals. Some varieties and stands also contain condensed tannins. In normal quantities, bird's-foot trefoil is not considered a typical toxic plant for horses.
Application Bird's-foot trefoil is not normally fed as a single herb but is rather consumed via pasture or hay. Supplementary feeding is generally not necessary.
Fresh or dried? Bird's-foot trefoil can occur fresh in the pasture or dried in hay. A varied diet without an excessive proportion of individual plant species is crucial.
Important to know Bird's-foot trefoil can form cyanogenic compounds. This means that under certain conditions, hydrogen cyanide can be released. With normal pasture occurrence, the risk is usually low, but large or one-sided intake should be avoided.
Related terms Pasture herbs · Legumes · Tannins · Hydrogen cyanide · Clover

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