059 Effects of Ergot Alkaloids during Mid-to-Late Gestation on Uteroplacental Sufficiency and Fetal Growth. (1st December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Britt, J. L.; Miller, M. F.; Koch, B. M.; Long, N. M.; Pratt, S. L.; Andrae, J. G.; Duckett, S. K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal science. Volume 95(2017)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2016-12-01
• Subjects: fescue toxicosis -- fetal growth -- placenta; Livestock -- Periodicals; Livestock; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.2527/ssasas2017.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8812

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate uteroplacental sufficiency, fetal growth, and development in ewes consuming ergot alkaloids found in endophyte-infected tall fescue [ Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh; Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub] seed at two stages of gestation. Thirty-six Suffolk ewes (78.24 kg ± 9.5) estimated to be carrying twins at d 35 of gestation were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: endophyte-free tall fescue seed (E-; 0.0 µg ergovaline + ergovalinine/g) or endophyte-infected tall fescue seed (E+; 4.14 µg ergovaline + ergovalinine/g) from d 35 – d 85 and d 86 – d 133 of gestation creating four unique dietary treatments: E-E-, E-E+, E+E-, and E+E+. Endophyte-infected tall fescue seed was fed at a level to provide 1772 µg of ergovaline + ergovalinine/hd/d for E+ treatments while an equal weight of endophyte-free seed (0.0 µg ergovaline + ergovalinine) was fed for E- treatments. Ewes were pair-fed across treatments in order to maintain equal DMI. Fetal and maternal necropsies were performed at d 133 of gestation. Muscle, organ, and placental samples were weighed and stored at -20°C and -80°C for later analysis. Data were analyzed as a randomized block design using a 2 × 2 factorial with alkaloid consumption (E- or E+), gestational time period (d 35 – d 85 or d 86 – d 133), and interaction as fixed effects. There was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in actual placental or fetal weights based on E+ or E- treatment between d 35 – d 85. A significant ( P = 0.036) interaction between treatment and time was observed wherein the placentome weight to BW ratio was highest for E+E- ewes. Ewes receiving E+ treatment between d 86 – d 133 had lower ( P = 0.003) uterine weights and lower ( P = 0.0005) placentome weights. Cotyledon and caruncle tissue weights were reduced ( P < 0.002) in ewes on E+ treatment between d 86 – d 133 compared to E- treatment. Cotyledon and caruncle weights were reduced by 25% and 19%, respectively. Overall fetal weight was decreased ( P = 0.002) by 10% for ewes on E+ treatment compared to E- treatment between d 86 – d 133. Ergot alkaloid exposure during late gestation induces uteroplacental insufficiency and leads to reduced fetal growth.