Urinary sediments in sheep feeding on oestrogenic clover. II.* Site of origin and preliminary analysis of spontaneously occurring sediments in wethers receiving fresh or dried Dinninup subterranean clover

Abstract

Unilateral ureteric catheters were established in two Merino wethers, which were then fed on fresh subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum cv. Dinninup). Sediments appeared simultaneously in ureteric and urethral urines of each animal c. 3½ days after commencement of feeding, and persisted for 48 hr, when the catheters became irreparably blocked.

Urine was collected from two wethers (without ureteric catheters) receiving dried Dinninup subterranean clover. Sediments appeared after 36–48 hr and persisted for 16 days while the animals received dried clover.

Oestrogenicity of the fresh and dried clovers was established from histological changes produced in accessory sexual glands of the sheep.

Chemical analysis of all sediments revealed a common major component, consisting of methanol-insoluble crystalline plates. These contained .calcium and on hydrolysis yielded an uncharacterized organic acid and at least one other organic component.

The findings are considered in relation to previous reports and to possible functions of sediments and oestrogenic effects in the aetiology of urinary obstruction.

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*Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 21: 933 (1970).