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

Summary

This review synthesises knowledge of mycotoxicosis in livestock, particularly ergot alkaloid intoxication, and highlights an emerging concern in Ireland: ergovaline contamination of perennial ryegrass associated with endophytic fungi (Neotyphodium species). Whilst ryegrass staggers caused by Lolitrem B are well-documented, ergot alkaloid intoxication from perennial ryegrass endophytes is previously unreported in the peer-reviewed literature. Unpublished data from the Irish Equine Centre suggest ergovaline-contaminated perennial ryegrass may cause poor weight gain, reduced fertility, and neurological effects in equines and bovines, effects that can be reversed by dietary change.

Regional applicability

Directly applicable to Ireland, where the emerging problem has been identified through unpublished reports from the Irish Equine Centre. The findings are relevant to UK grazing systems using perennial ryegrass, particularly in regions with similar temperate pasture management and endophyte prevalence; however, UK-specific prevalence data and field confirmation are lacking and should be investigated.

Key measures

Ergovaline concentrations in herbage; livestock health outcomes including weight gain, fertility, thermia, and neurological effects

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews mycotoxicosis caused by fungal infections of grasses and cereals, with specific focus on emerging reports of ergot alkaloid intoxication in equines and bovines grazing perennial ryegrass in Ireland. It documents the isolation of ergovaline in herbage from farms where poor animal health was reported, and notes that dietary changes reversed adverse effects in some cases.

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