Case report

Ergot alkaloid poisoning in weaned beef calves

Authors

  • Dale W. Miskimins Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007
  • Regg D. Neiger Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007
  • James Beaty Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, Mitchell, SD 57301
  • Timothy J. Evans Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Columbia, MO 65205
  • Russell Daly Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol49no2p156-158

Keywords:

cattle, ergot alkaloids, gangrenous necrosis, tail lesions, creep feed, beef cattle, calves, case reports, clinical aspects, diagnosis, losses, poisoning, summer, tail, weaning

Abstract

Twelve of 100 beef calves in central South Dakota had loss of tail switches and tail tips in the summer of 2014. The problem was noticed in July. Many of the calves were being raised to be show calves. All 12 affected calves had tail lesions and 3 were suffering from early lameness. Chemical analysis demonstrating multiple ergopeptine alkaloids in the creep feed suggested ergotism caused by Claviceps spp., specifically C. purpurea. Rapid identification of the cause of unusual distal extremity lesions is important to reduce suffering of affected animals and financial losses to owners.

Cover image of Volume 49, No. 2 of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of two Jersey cattle relaxing in the shade of a barn. One is lying down parallel to the photographer and the other is standing and gazing at the photographer with its lower teeth sticking out.

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Published

2015-06-01

Issue

Vol. 49, No. 2 (2015 Summer)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Case report: Ergot alkaloid poisoning in weaned beef calves. (2015). The Bovine Practitioner, 49(2), 156-158. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol49no2p156-158

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