Iodine in the nutrition of sheep. Final report

Abstract

1. Two groups of 10 merino ewes were fed the same adequate basal ration with the exception that one group received an addition of 0.05 gms. each daily of potassium iodide. 2. A slight depression of weight and greater irregularity in regard to the reproduction was shown by the group that received the iodine supplement. The detrimental effects, however, were not as marked as recorded in previous work where other deficiencies, especially vitamin A, undoubtedly exercised an aggravating influence on reproductive abnormalities. 3. The indiscriminate use of iodine supplements for sheep is not recommended.