Will White Clover Harm Our Horses?

by Kay Rice
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We have a lot of a low-growing white clover in our pasture. Is this harmful to our horses? (Ed Simpson - Illinois)

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a common legume in many improved pastures and generally is a good forage for horses and other livestock when mixed with grasses. Horses not adapted to lush clover pastures may develop colic if they are coming off a dry low quality pasture.

The high protein green clover can cause excessive gas formation and colic. Introduce horses slowly to clover pastures by allowing them to feed for short periods at a time in order for them to adapt to a new clover diet.

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