The effect of iodine supplementation on the reproductive rates of goats and sheep.

Three trials involving 140 does and 185 ewes were conducted at Ilonga. In the three trials, potassium iodide doses of 210 mg were drenched to half of the female animals 3 times during the first trial, 5 times and 4 times during and after the mating periods of the second and third trials respectively. The percent kidding/lambing was higher in the treated group of animals than in the control animals. The increase was due to high numbers of twin sets particulary in goats. The goitre incidences in the offspring, was significantly reduced by the administration of iodide to mothers during pregnancy. The average birth weight of the kids/lambs was depressed by iodide drenching in the first and second trials.