Ryegrass endophyte and sheep reproduction
Abstract
The influence of perennial ryegrass endophyte on
sheep reproduction and early lamb growth was
studied in a 3-year grazing experiment at the
AgResearch regional station at Gore (46”07’S,
168”54’E). The trial consisted of 8 paddocks sown
in endophyte-infected (+E) or endophyte-free (-E)
Grasslands Nui perennial ryegrass, with (+C) or
without Grasslands Huia white clover. Endophyteinfected
ryegrass delayed the lamb drop and
reduced lamb weight gains during the lactation
period. Lamb drop was delayed by an average of
3-5 days especially in the presence of clover.
This may be due to an extended gestation period
or delayed mating. There was no effect of
endophyte on lamb birth weight, ewe conception
rate and liveweight changes over autumn, winter
and spring.
