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Re: Alsike clover
Hi Bert: We have had recurring anecdotal problems with horses on alsike in
and around New York State. A couple of years ago a NY seed company was
sued by a horseowner in Massachusetts, that had 4 sick horses. I believe 2
or 3 of them died. These were alleged to be valuable horses. The horses
had been grazing a pasture that was principally alsike. A veteranarian
supported her claim. The horses had apparently started showing a
photosensitivity on their skin and coat, then developed liver problems,
then died. The NY seed company lost on this case, and paid a
big price for the horses. They no longer include alsike in their pasture
mixes. In discussions at the time I learned that this condition is known
among vets. Several horse owners also told me that alsike can become
dominant in horse pastures. It seems horses don't like alsike, so
preferentially graze other plants. If grazing is heavy alsike can become
dominant. However, horses will eat alsike if they're hungry enough, which can
happen when there's not much else left in the pasture. And
that's when problems can develop. This was apparently the scenario in the
Massachusetts incident. Since that time I have recommended to seed
companies that they NOT include alsike in pasture mixes for horses.
Whatever it's effect on horses, it's not worth the risk of an expensive law
suit and settlement. I'm not aware of research evidence on this, and have
not seen referred to it in forage or other books. Maybe a vetenarian could
provide better information. In the meantime, I would not include alsike in
a pasture or hay mix to be consumed by horses. Bill Pardee
wdp5@cornell.edu
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