By Blake Jackson
Livestock and forage experts at the University of Missouri (MU) are sounding the alarm about ergot infestations, a toxic fungus affecting grasses and posing serious threats to livestock health.
According to Tim Evans, MU Extension’s state specialist in veterinary toxicology and animal health, the fungus can be especially harmful to cattle and potentially horses, leading to illness and even death.
“You take a hot day and combine ergot, it’s likely going to be a problem for animals,” Evans warned.
Ergot infects the seed heads of several grasses and cereal grains. Early signs in plants include sticky yellow drops called honeydew, which later harden into dark, rod-shaped ergot bodies resembling mouse droppings.
A previous advisory encouraged a second hay cutting to prevent infection, but Harley Naumann, MU Extension’s state forage and grazing specialist, clarified that cool season grasses that have already been cut once will not regrow seed heads, making them less susceptible to ergot.
“It’s easy to forget that one reason for making hay earlier in the season is to eliminate the chance of it being infected by ergot,” Naumann explained. New growth from these grasses remains in a vegetative state, posing minimal risk.
While abundant first-cut hay and rainy weather may reduce hay demand in typical seasons, producers are still urged to mow any remaining cool-season grass pastures not yet cut. Evans added, “In predominantly tall fescue pastures which have not been previously mowed, make hay anyway, leaving it at least 3 to 4 inches tall. Clipping seed heads forces most of the ergot to drop to the ground. Baling also reduces the number of seed heads.”
Symptoms of ergot poisoning can be mistaken for fescue toxicosis but often present more severe heat stress signs, including rapid breathing, panting, staggering, and even seizures or death. Evans emphasized, “When you see cattle losing their tails or hooves during the summer, it’s usually associated with ergot.”
Producers should remove livestock from affected pastures immediately and avoid feeding hay with visible ergot bodies. Evans recommends thoroughly inspecting pastures, as infection can appear sporadically.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle