Ergot in feed--the clarification of possible ergot-related infirmity cases

Practicing veterinarians should realize that the symptoms of ergot intoxication may differ markedly. Gangrenous alterations (ears, feet, tail) as well as convulsive signs (excitability) are described as typical symptoms of ergotism. It is noteworthy that inadequate development of the udder and lactation failure may also be related to ergot contaminated diets. Ergot contamination of diets is caused by grain infection with Claviceps purpurea and sometimes by infection of grass and weed (in grain). The frequency of ergot contamination is high in rye, triticale and wheat and varies in relation to region, climatic conditions and kind of wheat. For diagnosis of ergot contamination a thorough visual inspection of the used diet is to be recommended. Due to the variation of ergots (infected grain, infected weed) it is difficult to determine the contamination in prepared feed mixtures. The anamnestic procedure, method of visual feed inspection as well as a chromatographic method for detection of ergot alkaloids in feed samples are described to facilitate the detection of possible ergot related cases.