Ergot alkaloid intoxication in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne): an emerging animal health concern in Ireland?

Abstract

Four primary mycotoxicosis have been reported in livestock caused by fungal infections of grasses or cereals by members of the Clavicipitaceae family. Ergotism (generally associated with grasses, rye, triticale and other grains) and fescue toxicosis (associated with tall fescue grass, Festuca arundinacea) are both caused by ergot alkaloids, and referred to as ‘ergot alkaloid intoxication’. Ryegrass staggers (associated with perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne) is due to intoxication with an indole-diperpene, Lolitrem B, and metabolites. Fescue-associated oedema, recently described in Australia, may be associated with a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, N-acetyl norloline.Ergotism, caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, is visible and infects the outside of the plant seed. Fescue toxicosis and ryegrass staggers are caused by Neotyphodium coenophalium and N. lolii, respectively. Fescue-associated oedema has been associated with tall fescue varieties infected with a specific strain of N. coenophialum (AR542, Max P or Max Q). The name Neotyphodium refers to asexual derivatives of Epichloë spp., which have collectively been termed the epichloë fungi. These fungi exist symbiotically within the grass and are invisible to the naked eye.The primary toxicological effect of ergot alkaloid involves vasoconstriction and/or hypoprolactinaemia. Ingestion of ergot alkaloid by livestock can cause a range of effects, including poor weight gain, reduced fertility, hyperthermia, convulsions, gangrene of the extremities, and death. To date there are no published reports, either internationally or nationally, reporting ergot alkaloid intoxication specifically associated with perennial ryegrass endophytes. However, unpublished reports from the Irish Equine Centre have identified a potential emerging problem of ergot alkaloid intoxication with respect to equines and bovines, on primarily perennial ryegrass-based diets. Ergovaline has been isolated in varying concentrations in the herbage of a small number of equine and bovine farms where poor animal health and performance had been reported. Additionally, in some circumstances changes to the diet, where animals were fed primarily herbage, were sufficient to reverse adverse effects. Pending additional information, these results suggest that Irish farm advisors and veterinarians should be aware of the potential adverse role on animal health and performance of ergot alkaloids from perennial ryegrass infected with endophytic fungi.

Nutritional Value, Mineral Composition, Secondary Metabolites, and Antioxidant Activity of Some Wild Geophyte Sedges and Grasses

“…Cyperus conglomeratus attained the highest contents of all investigated secondary metabolites, where it attained about double-fold than C. capitatus regarding all secondary metabolites and more than double fold for the tested grasses (E. farctus, L. scindicus, and P. turgidum). These results are consistent with to those reported by Canty et al [32] on Lolium perenne, and Kara and…”

“…Cyperus conglomeratus attained the highest contents of all investigated secondary metabolites, where it attained about double-fold than C. capitatus regarding all secondary metabolites and more than double fold for the tested grasses (E. farctus, L. scindicus, and P. turgidum). These results are consistent with to those reported by Canty et al [32] on Lolium perenne, and Kara and Sürmen [33] on rangeland and pasture plants of the genus of Lotus, Astragalus, and Onobrychis. It is worth mentioning here that C. conglomeratus has been reported to have several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids [25], glycosides, sterols, tannins, and terpenoids [34].…”

Assessment of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) exposure in pregnant and postpartum beef cows

“…The alkaloids produced in fescue, which are commonly found in the United States, differ from those produced in grain infected by Claviceps purpurea (Canty et al 2014). While the clinical manifestations and effects of ergotism and fescue toxicosis are similar (Yates et al 1985), most studies have focused on fescue rather than grain infected by C. purpurea.…”

The Effects of Secondary Metabolites of Rangeland and Pasture Plants on the Animal Health in Mediterranean Ecological Conditions

“…Without heavy poisoning, the animal suddenly falls down and can remain so for days. Lightly poisoned animal should be treated quickly with plenty of water and blood circulation should be renewed [25].…”