Extension
Connection
Extension
Connection
Ergotism
By Heather Benedict, Agronomist Specialist
The cool wet weather we had this summer continues to affect us into the winter. One of the effects I want to warn about is the presence of ergot bodies in grass hay. In the summer the weather conditions were perfect for allowing the grass heads to be open to the spores of the fungus Claviceps. This fungus’ spores mimic the process of pollination in grasses. The spores connect with the floret of a grass. The mycelium travels down the stigma, destroys the ovary and connects with the vascular bundle. Eventually a black crescent shaped kernel is formed in the grass seed head. It looks like a mouse feces. This object is commonly referred to as an ergot body. The ergot bodies are full of chemicals called alkaloids. These are toxic to humans and animals. These ergot bodies may be found in many species of grasses including, fescue, orchard grass, and rye among others.
This summer animals in Missouri were affected by the toxins. The symptoms are often described as fescue toxicosis on steroids. This condition causes vessel constriction which can cause fertility problems, tails to fall off, lameness, and even death in the livestock. The danger in the winter is that grass hay put up this summer may contain ergot. While storing the hay will help to decrease the toxcisity, the toxins do not fully break down. Thus hay fed this winter may cause problems in the livestock.
There are steps that can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms of ergotism. One step is to avoid feeding your livestock only grass hay. Dilute the effects by supplementing their feed with other alternatives. Another method that has been shown to significantly decrease the toxcisity of the alkaloids is to ammoniate the hay. The ammonia helps to chemically break down the toxic compounds.
I realize this topic is involved difficult to understand. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at the Harrison County Extension Office. The phone number is (660) 425-6434. I will be glad to speak with you and give you more information on Ergotism.
(Written December 8 , 2008)
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Extension Connection Barb Ubben, Web Manager harrisonco@missouri.edu Last revised: 05/25/04 |