Endophytic perennial ryegrass and reproductive performance of the ewe : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science at Massey University

A series of grazing and indoor trials were conducted to investigate the effects of perennial ryegrass infected with Neotyphodium lolii and its toxins on the reproductive performance of the ewe. Comparisons made were in ovulation rate, conception rate, lambs carried at scanning and lambs born per ewe, milk production and lamb growth rate between groups of ewes grazing either endophyte-infected (E+) or endophyte-free (E-) perennial ryegrass. Differences in ewe liveweight and its relationship with feed intake were also determined. More intensive trials were conducted to examine the effects of endophyte toxins on the endocrine systems that regulate the oestrous cycle and lactation. In a 4-year grazing trial in the Manawatu there were no significant differences in ovulation rate, conception rate, scanning % or lambing % between the E+ and E- groups in any year of the trial. Mean mating date was 1.8 days later (P<,0.05) in the E+ group than in the E- group. There was a greater (P<0.05) proportion of non-pregnant (dry) ewes in the E+ group compared with the E- group (14% vs 6% respectively) over the entire trial period (1996-1999), but no significant difference in any of the other parameters. Ewes in the E+ group had lower liveweights (P<0.001) than ewes in the E- group throughout the duration of the trial. Ewe liveweight was a significant (P<0.05) source of variation in ovulation rate in the E+ group in 1998. The growth rate of single and twin lambs between birth and nine weeks of age was lower (P<0.01) in the E+ group than the E- group in 1998 only. Cumulative milksolid yields were lower (P<0.05) in the E+ single- and twin-rearing ewes compared to the E- single and twin-rearing ewes in 1997. E+ ewes had more faecal soiling (dags) (P<0.05), lower serum prolactin at mating (P<0.05), had higher rectal temperatures during summer (P<0.05) than E- ewes, and left greater postgrazing dry matter residues in autumn (P<0.05). In two grazing trials in Northland (1998 and 1999), there were no significant differences in ovulation rate, conception rate or the number of lambs carried per ewe at scanning between ewes grazing E+ ryegrass and ewes grazing E- ryegrass. Serum prolactin was significantly (P<0.05) lower in E+ ewes than in E- ewes in 1999 but was not different between the two groups in 1998. E+ ewes lost significantly (P<0.05) less weight than the E- ewes prior to mating in the 1998 trial, which was due to the poor establishment of the new E- pasture and hence low dry matter production. However, E+ ewes lost significantly (P<0.05) more weight than E- ewes prior to, and during mating, in the 1999 trial. Reproductive results obtained in these trials were confounded by inadequate control over experimental conditions. In a further trial in Northland, twin-bearing/rearing ewes grazing E+ ryegrass pasture were lighter than E- ewes prior to, and during lactation. Lambs reared by the E+ ewes had (P<0.05) lower liveweight gains between docking and weaning, and lower weaning weights than lambs reared by the E- ewes. A trial was conducted where daily blood samples were collected for approximately one oestrous cycle (21 days) from synchronised ewes (n=20) grazing either E+ or E- ryegrass to measure levels of serum prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone. Serum PRL levels were (P<0.01) lower in the E+ ewes than in the E- ewes during the oestrous cycle, and the pre-ovulatory PRL surge was completely abolished in the E+ ewes. Serum LH levels were not different between the E+ and E- ewes, however, this may have been due to the sampling regime not being able to eliminate the effects of diurnal variation in LH secretion. The profile of serum progesterone secretion was significantly (P<0.05) different between the E+ and E- ewes. Two trials were conducted to examine the effects of the endophyte toxin, ergovaline, and ambient temperature on the major hormones regulating parturition and mammogenesis in pregnant ewes. Serum PRL levels were (P<0.0001) lower in ewes fed diets containing ergovaline (Ev+) than in ewes fed ergovaline-free (Ev-) diets at high (30°C) ambient temperature. Serum progesterone levels were (P<0.001) lower in Ev+ than in Ev- ewes at both high and low (18°C) ambient temperature. There were no differences in serum cortisol levels between any group of ewes. Serum insulin levels were (P<0.01) lower in the Ev+ ewes than in the Ev- ewes in the low ambient temperature treatment but were not different between the groups of ewes at high ambient temperature. High ambient temperature (P<0.1) reduced serum insulin levels in the Ev- group. High ambient temperature significantly (P<0.001) increased PRL and depressed progesterone levels in both Ev+ and Ev- ewes, and significantly (P<0.1) depressed insulin in the Ev- group only. There was a significant (P<0.001) Ev X temperature interaction for PRL and progesterone. Mammogenesis and lactogenesis were completely abolished in the Ev+ ewes at high ambient temperature but there appeared to be no difference between the Ev+ or Ev- ewes at low ambient temperature. Ev+ ewes at both high and low ambient temperature exhibited abnormally hostile behaviour towards their offspring that was not observed in the Ev- groups. Rectal temperatures were higher (significant, P