Abstract

Zearalenone is an oestrogenic mycotoxin commonly found in New Zealand pastures (di Menna, and et al., 1987). Ingestion of zearalenone by sheep causes reductions in reproductive performance (Smith, and et al.,1990). It is likely that high zearalenone concentrations in pasture around mating will often be sufficient to affect reproductive per-formance of the ewe. Chicory pastures contain very low zearalenone concentrations and therefore have potential as a feed for ewes prior to and during mating. The aim of this trial was to determine the levels of free and conjugated zearalenone in the blood and urine of ewes grazed on either grass-dominant pasture or chicory prior to and during the mating period, and assess any subsequent effects on reproductive performance.

R, Kramer, RG Keogh, JM Sprosen, and MF McDonald

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 57, , 190, 1997