Effects of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on eCG and progestogen concentrations from gestation days 21 to 300 in the mare |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, New Radcliffe House, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK;2. Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia;3. ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, Room 525, Goddard Building, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;4. Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK;5. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK;6. School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK;7. Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Medawar Building, London WC1E 6BT, UK;8. Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK;9. Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, 617 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;10. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;11. Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460, USA |
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| Abstract: | The influence of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on endometrial cup formation and function, progestogen production, and embryonic and fetal development were examined in pregnant mares between Day 21 and Day 300 of gestation. Total immunoreactive progestogens and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) concentrations were compared between untreated controls (endophyte-free, n = 12) and treated mares (endophyte-infected, n = 12). There were no differences in endometrial cup formation or function, as determined by eCG concentrations at Days 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 (P > 0.05) between mares grazing endophyte-infected and endophyte-free tall fescue. Mares grazing the endophyte-infected tall fescue had lower total progestogen concentrations (P < 0.01) from Days 90 to 120 than the mares grazing endophyte-free tall fescue. Embryonic development based on mean vesicle height was not affected by endophyte exposure. No pregnancies were lost by mares in either treatment group during the trial period. The results of this study indicate that grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue between Day 21 and Day 300 does not alter endometrial cup formation and function, or result in increased pregnancy losses during this period. Lower progestogen concentrations between Days 90 and 120 with exposure to endophyte-infected tall fescue could reflect decreased luteal progesterone production. |
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