An investigation of the possible effects of subclinical iodine deficiency on ewe fertility and perinatal lamb mortality

Authors: Clark RG, Sargison ND, West DM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 45, Issue 5, pp 208-211, Oct 1997
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Diet/rations/food, Reproduction, Thyroid, Trace elements, Neonatal, Disease/defect, Nutrition/metabolism, Reproduction - female
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: A controlled supplementation trial was performed in an assumed iodine-deficient Romney ewe flock in the Manawatu. Significantly more twin litters were born to iodine-supplemented ewes than to control ewes. Furthermore, the perinatal mortality rate in lambs born to iodine-supplemented dams was significantly lower than in lambs born to control dams. Ewe age and the use of different lambing paddocks for iodine-supplemented and control ewes may have been confounding factors. In both iodine-supplemented and control ewes, serum T, and T, concentration values remained above the currently used “normal” range throughout the trial period.

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