CONTROL OF NUTRITIONAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN LAMBS BY VITAMIN E IMPLANTATIONS

Abstract

An implantation technique utilizing slow-release vitamin E pellets was evaluated as a means of controlling nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD). Seventy-eight pregnant ewes were fed a dystrophy-producing hay, and implantations were made on 36 ewes at mid-pregnancy with four pellets, each containing 665 mg D-α-tocopherol; the remainder (42 ewes) were kept as control. Twenty-seven lambs from the control ewes and 21 from the implanted ewes were also implanted with two pellets, each containing 665 mg D-α-tocopherol. Several muscles were examined for NMD lesions. Implantation of D-α-tocopherol to the Iambs prevented almost completely the occurrence of NMD. Plasma vitamin E levels in both groups of implanted lambs were significantly higher than in untreated lambs from the untreated ewes during the 4-month period of biweekly blood sampling. Large variability was encountered in the plasma vitamin E levels of implanted lambs. Implantation of the ewes provided only partial protection to the offspring but implantation of lambs was almost completely effective against NMD.