title: Exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation reduces fetal growth in sheep.
abstract: Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh; Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub] is the primary cool season perennial grass in the eastern U.S. Most tall fescue contains an endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum), which produces ergot alkaloids that cause vasoconstriction and could restrict blood flow to the fetus in pregnant animals. The objective of this study was to examine fetal growth during maternal exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation. Pregnant ewes (n = 16) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: (1) endophyte-infected (N. coenophialum) tall fescue seed (E+; 0.8 ug of ergovaline /g diet DM) and (2) endophyte-free tall fescue seed (E-; 0.0 ug of ergovaline/g diet DM). Birth weight of lambs was reduced by 37% for E+ compared to E-. Organ and muscle weights were also lighter for E+ than E-. Exposure to ergot alkaloids in utero reduces fetal growth and muscle development.
authors.affiliation: Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Clemson University Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Susan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Duckett
authors.affiliation: School of Agricultural Forest and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Andrae
authors.affiliation: Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Clemson University Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Scott L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Pratt
keywords: ergot alkaloids; fetal growth; muscle development; sheep