Effect of Rye Ergot on the Pregnant Sheep J

Milled ergot (Claviceps purpurea) sclerotia containing ergotamine (0\m=.\25%),alkaloid-free ergot and alkaloid-free ergot to which ergotamine tartrate had been added were administered to pregnant sheep, either orally or through a ruminal cannula. The daily dosage (administered as three sub-doses) of ergot sclerotia was 0\m=.\4g/kg body weight and, where alkaloid was involved, ergotamine was presented at 1 mg/kg. The milled ergot, irrespective of route of administration, produced severe illness. In some ewes, there was also uterine involvement. By contrast, alkaloid-free ergot had no effect even when the daily dosage was increased by 50%. When ergotamine tartrate was added to the alkaloidfree ergot tissue, however, the mixture elicited a marked clinical response with abortions. Dosage of animals under field conditions during the 11th week ofpregnancy gave either an immediate or a delayed response which resulted in acute illness in the ewe but did not affect pregnancy. Dosage of animals under loose box conditions at later stages in pregnancy resulted in less acute illness in the ewe but caused fetal death in three out of four animals at or beyond the 3\m=1/2\-monthstage of pregnancy.