Deaths due to goitre in new-born lambs prevented by iodized poppy-seed oil

Abstract

Extract In a previous publication (Sinclair and Andrews, 1958 Sinclair, D. P. 1958. N.Z. vet. J., 6: 87–87. [Taylor & Francis Online] [Google Scholar] ) the writers discussed methods of preventing goitre in lambs from ewes fed brassica crops. In particular, it was found that two oral doses of an inorganic iodine compound, one given. about two months and the other about one month before lambing, largely prevented signs of the disease. Death rates associated with severe outbreaks were markedly reduced. Later, Myers and Ross ( 1959 Myers, Ballinda J. and Ross, D.A. 1959. N.Z. J. agric. Res., 2: 552–552. [Taylor & Francis Online] [Google Scholar] ) reported that injections of “Neo-Hydriol” (May and Baker) an iodized poppy-seed oil preparation of specific gravity 1·375 and containing 40 per cent, (weight/weight) of bound iodine, had a significant effect on the thyroid glands of ewes as measured by decreased cell height and increased iodine content. The main aims of the work reported here were to determine the effects of single injections of Neo-Hydriol given to ewes grazed during the last two months of pregnancy on thousand-headed kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), on gestation periods, lamb lamb birth weights, lamb thyroid glands, and the high death rate accompanying severe goitre in new-born lambs.