Onobryhis arenaria

Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.

Common Sainfoin

Common sainfoin is a forage legume known for its anthelmintic properties, making it a natural alternative to drugs for controlling nematode parasitism in small ruminants. It was historically important until the 1950s but has seen a resurgence due to its health benefits for livestock. There are two types: the single-cut type from Europe and the double-cut type from the Middle East. Both types have low competitiveness and regrowth after mowing.

Details

Order:

Fabales

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Onobrychis

Chemistry:

The leaves of common sainfoin contain high levels of condensed tannins, which can be more than five times higher than in clover species or alfalfa. These tannins are responsible for its anthelmintic properties, reducing the fecundity of nematodes and the number of their eggs in ruminants' digestive systems.

Uses:

Common sainfoin is used as a forage legume for livestock, particularly in goat and sheep production systems. Its high condensed tannin content helps reduce nematode parasitism, improving animal health and performance. It also enhances biodiversity within agro-ecosystems due to its open pollination by nectar-feeding insects.

Flowering time:

June to August

Sowing time:

Spring to late summer

Plant height:

0.6 - 1.2 meters

Flower color:

Pink to purple

Suitable habitat:

Temperate regions, well-drained soils, avoids waterlogging and acidic soils

Info

Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.

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