@conference {41136,
	title = {Effects of ergovaline in endophyte-infected tall fescue on ewe fertility},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {263-265},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Ergovaline is one of the major toxins produced in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass pastures infected with wild type endophyte fungi. Animals grazing these pastures often have reduced productivity and in some cases lower reproductive performance. To date very little is known about the effects of ergovaline on sheep and in particular sheep fertility. A trial was conducted consisting of two groups (n = 20) of synchronised, Finnish landrace x Romney 2-tooth ewes. The groups were grazed on either of two lines of endophyte-infected tall fescue, one producing ergovaline (EV+) and the other ergovaline free (EV-) for two weeks and then mated on the treatments. Ovulation rate, conception rate, and numbers of lambs carried were recorded. Levels of serum prolactin and ergovaline in the pasture were determined. Ergovaline levels in the herbage were 3.30 {\textpm} 0.60 mg/g and 0mg/g in the EV+ and EV- pastures, respectively. Ewes grazing the EV+ treatment had significantly lower (P<0.05) ovulation rates and number of lambs carried to 90 days of pregnancy than the EV- group. Serum prolactin was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in the EV+ group. These results indicate that similar effects could be exhibited in ewes grazing endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass pastures containing ergovaline and further trials are being undertaken to examine this possibility. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kramer R and Keogh R and McDonald MF}
}
@conference {40923,
	title = {Free and conjugated levels of zearalenone in ewes mated on grass dominant pasture or chicory.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {190},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	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.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kramer R and Keogh RG and Sprosen JM and McDonald MF}
}
@conference {40862,
	title = {The accumulation and clearance of equol in the blood of ewes grazed on either high or low formononetin red clovers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {373-377},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Formononetin is the major red clover phytoestrogen responsible for  reproductive dysfunction in sheep. Formononetin is metabolised in the  rumen to equol which is significantly more oestrogenic. This study was  conducted to characterise the accumulation of conjugated and free equol in  the blood of ewes grazed on either high formononetin (cv Pawera, 0.57\% of  dry matter) or low formononetin (cv G27, 0.25\% of dry matter) red clovers  over a 1, 2 or 3 week period and the subsequent clearance of equol after  removal from the red clover. Seventy mixed age ewes were divided into 7 treatment groups (n=10). Each  group grazed either Pawera or G27 red clover for 3, 2 or 1 week or ryegrass  (control group) prior to mating as one flock on ryegrass pasture. All ewes  were regularly blood sampled. Once mated, the ewes were laparoscoped and  returns to service recorded. Conjugated equol concentrations in both Pawera and G27 ewes increased  over the first 2 days to 23.97 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kramer R and Keogh RG and McDonald MF}
}
