title: An investigation of the possible effects of subclinical iodine deficiency on ewe fertility and perinatal lamb mortality.
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 T3, and T4, concentration values remained above the currently used normal range throughout the trial period.
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors: N D
authors: ND
authors: Sargison
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: West
authors: R G
authors: RG
authors: Clark