Reproductive performance of CD-1 mice fed diets containing endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass seed through continuous breeding

摘要

Abstract This study was undertaken to further determine the sensitivity of the mouse to a diet containing endophyte-infected (Acremonium lolii) perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) seed. The degree to which the mouse is affected by the endophyte will determine its value as a bioassay to study ryegrass toxicity in livestock. The focus of this study was to determine the effects of the endophyte on the reproductive performance of mice (Mus musculus) using a continuous breeding protocol for three parturitions. Thirty-six CD-1 mice were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments and housed separately by sex for 42 days before pairing. The diets contained 50% Purina rodent chow (w/w) and: (1) 50% endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass seed; (2) 25% infected seed and 25% un-infected seed; or (3) 50% un-infected seed. The intake for Diet 2 and Diet 3 was limited to the average daily intake of Diet 1. The mice were allowed to cohabit through three parturitions. Litter parameters assessed included dam we...