Perennial ryegrass contains an endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) which while is important in improving plant performance and resistance, this endophyte produces ergot alkaloids which include ergovaline and lolitrem B, responsible for reducing livestock health and performance and causing ryegrass staggers in animals. These toxins are at their highest levels from spring until autumn. Higher toxin levels are more common when the ryegrass pollinates and during rapid new-season growth following summer and autumn rain. Tall fescue is another pasture, which is commonly infected with the Neotyphodium endophyte.

           
Loss of ears due to                        Cattle with Rye Grass                     Cows seeking shade at 22C
vassoconstriction effects              staggers.                                            in New Zealand ergovaline
of PRGT.                                                                                                        infected pastures.

PRGT can affect cattle, sheep, horses and alpacas when these animals are fed contaminated pasture or silages. Common symptoms can include, heat stress, bad temperament (nervy and flighty), udder sensitization (kicking cups whilst milking) summer/autumn ill thrift, staggers, scouring, poor fertility and in worse cases, death. New Zealand research has shown that when dairy cows consume pasture contaminated with ergovaline and loitrom-B, a reduction of 9% in milk production can be expected as well as an increase in somatic cell count.

Fusion is a range of products that allows the producer a choice of including a safe, economical and suitable feed additive to help manage the mycotoxin challenge in their feeds, which can aid in reducing the direct effects of perennial ryegrass toxicity.  Fusion offers a combination of both inorganic and organic binders which together have a high affinity to bind to a range of different mycotoxins and prevent adsorption by the animal.  The inorganic binder has a high affinity to bind the ergot alkaloids and other polar mycotoxins, with greater than 95% binding capacity in vitro. Commercial field results on dairy farms in Australia and New Zealand demonstrate a decrease in symptoms associated with PRGT within 24-48 hours after treatment.

Research in Australia has demonstrated that Mycotoxin binders had a positive effect when fed to weaner ewes grazing perennial ryegrass contaminated with ergovaline and lolitrom B. The treatment group had a significantly higher average daily growth (44g/d vs. 22g/d), significantly reduced ergovaline levels in the urine by 40% and lolitrom B in the faeces by 20%. The treatment group also experienced significantly lower respiratory rates, grazed longer when temperatures were above 25C, had a significantly higher fertility with 30% increased foetuses at scanning and a significantly greater number of lambs. Although, there was no incidence of staggers in any of the treatment groups, the results indicate the subclinical effects of PRGT.

Application and usage rate vary dependent upon level of risk and product used.  For more information on the Fusion range of solutions please contact your Meriden representative, or address your query direct to our Director of Feed Safety via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Disclaimer: The information contained within this bulletin is intended for international use and is for information only. Specific details and licensing arrangements may vary from country to country including the EU. Details of formulations, indications and applications for any particular country should be checked.