Clover after frost

Wisteria Farms · Oct 29, 2008

Hi guys!! I haven't been on here for MONTHS it seems like... just too much going on but, I have a question (I hope it wasn't recently discussed)...
Can you all tell me what you know about clover becoming toxic after a frost? I have a field I want to put the cattle on but... it has some clover in the grass mix. We did get our first frost the other night. I appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks!!

hillsdown · Oct 29, 2008

Wisteria welcome back. :wave:

Post this again on Grasses, Pastures and Hay. There have been numerous discussions about this and if high in nitrates ,,yes/no..

I will say this,, if in doubt ask your Vet or nutritionist they will know for sure..

donnaIL · Oct 29, 2008

I dont keep our livestock from it and its never hurt them, drought or not...I'm not talking about a hay field just pastures with lots of clover in them. They were still okay today after 2 frosts. donna

Angus Cowman · Oct 29, 2008

If the clover in a pasture is gonna hurt them I am gonna have alot of dead cows because all my pastures are loaded with clover this yr and we have had 3frost and a hard freeze have never had a problem with it I might see a problem if it was an all clover field but mixed with grass I don't see it being a problem

backhoeboogie · Oct 30, 2008

Maybe it is just a different climate WF, but the first thing I wonder is which variety of clover? We have natural clovers and several varieties of seeded clover that have been planted through the years. I think Turnerseed carries about a dozen varieties. I have never had problems with any of the natural growing varieties and have had Madrid and Hubam clover grow to 6 and 8 foot tall respectively. Cows have grazed it with snow on the ground and I have never had problems.

Wisteria Farms · Oct 30, 2008

Well, I'm feeling a little dumb here because I can't tell you what kind of clover... its nice today so if I can I'll get a snapshot and post it. We do have a good mix... so I'm hoping it'll be no problem but will check the grasses/hay forum... Thanks!

donnaIL · Oct 31, 2008

We seeded our hay ground and pastures with ladino clover and med red clover, they also have some of the smaller white clover that you normally see in lawns. We have been surprised the last couple months they have hardly touched the clover and going after the grass. Since the last couple of frost they are munching the clover down, they are all okay.