Identifying and Preventing Ergot

The recipient of a doctor of philosophy in biophysics from the University of Oregon, Dr. A. Morrie Craig draws on more than four decades of experience as a professor and laboratory director of the University’s college of veterinary medicine. Dr. Morrie Craig has also studied and written numerous publications on loline tremorgens and ergot alkaloids.

Ergot is a fungus that may be found on grain seed heads - especially rye. This fungus is highly harmful to animals, particularly cattle. If treatment is not started early enough, an ergot-poisoned animal will suffer substantial circulatory system impairment and associated complications. Weight loss, lameness, and heat sensitivity are all common symptoms.

The ergot fungus thrives in settings that include a cold, rainy spring followed by scorching temperatures in the early summer. Due to the delay in harvesting hay in the rainy season, late-cut grasses in such periods may be contaminated by the fungus.

The presence of the fungus should be checked for in pastures and hay. The fungus can be detected by dark brown, black, or purple bodies within the seed head. The ergot-producing fungus cannot be eradicated from pastures in any practical way. The sole therapy for compromised livestock is to remove them from the origin of the ergot poisons and provide supportive care. If animals are evacuated before they show significant clinical symptoms, chances of recovery are high.

For cattle producers that rely on fescue grass, detecting ergot infection will be more difficult. This is because endophyte-infected fescue produces poisons that are similar to ergot toxins.