Blood prolactin depression in growing pigs fed sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana)

Abstract

The toxicity of sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) was assessed in young pigs over 28 days. Forty-eight pigs of both sexes and 2 breeds (Large White and Duroc) were allocated across 6 grower diets, balanced for fibre and predicted digestible energy, and containing 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.3, 2.5, or 5% ergot sclerotia [the 5% sclerotia diet contained 70 mg alkaloids/kg (>90% dihydroergosine)]. Blood samples taken on Days 0 and 28 were analysed for prolactin and clinical, biochemical, and haematological indices of health. Feed consumption and liveweight were individually monitored. There were no clinical signs of illness attributable to ergotism in the pigs. Blood prolactin concentrations were significantly depressed in pigs receiving 9 mg alkaloids/kg (0.6% sclerotia) and by >80% in pigs receiving 35 and 70 mg alkaloids/kg, clearly indicating a potential to interfere with lactation in sows. Reductions in feed intake and poor feed conversion were observed over the first 7 days with >9 mg alkaloids/kg, but some tolerance developed later. Feed refusal was more pronounced for pigs of the Duroc breed. Over the full trial period, growth was reduced by about 30% in pigs receiving 70 mg alkaloids/kg, as a result of poor feed intake and feed conversion. Digestible energy of diets containing ergot was later found to be lower than predicted, which contributed to this result.

Effect of feeding sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) to sows during mid‐lactation on plasma prolactin and litter performance

“…The cause is not a systemic effect, as shown by our observation that consumption improved when the flavour was disguised, and is probably caused by factors in ergot other than alkaloids. Addition of palatable ingredients, such as full‐fat soy meal, during formulation has previously shown to overcome the feed refusal problem (Blaney et al., 2000a).…”

Nutritive value and non-toxicity ofBotryosphaeria zeae-infected wheat for weaner pigs

“…Although observed no nutritional changes in maize as a result of F. graminearum infection, some previous studies have shown that weather damage (Taverner et al, 1975;Batterham et al, 1976) and fungal infection of grains (Kopinski and Blaney, 1999;Blaney et al, 2000) can lower their digestible energy. Consequently in this study, an additional treatment group was offered a diet (B + E) supplemented with 1 MJ/kg of energy (3% additional oil) to compensate for the anticipated lower DE value of white grain wheat.…”

Feeding sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) to sows before farrowing inhibits milk production

“…Sorghum ergot was first detected in Australia in 1996 7 and has subsequently been found in all sorghum‐producing regions 8 . Our initial investigations into its potential toxicity showed that plasma prolactin concentrations were reduced in grower pigs by sorghum ergot 9,10 . In mid 1997, reports were received from 10 piggeries located about 150 km south‐west of Rockhampton in Queensland, of severe feed refusal and death of piglets, as sows failed to lactate after farrowing 11 .…”

“…8 Our initial investigations into its potential toxicity showed that plasma prolactin concentrations were reduced in grower pigs by sorghum ergot. 9,10 In mid 1997, reports were received from 10 piggeries located about 150 km south-west of Rockhampton in Queensland, of severe feed refusal and death of piglets, as sows failed to lactate after farrowing. 11 Sorghum grain from these piggeries contained 1 to 20% by weight of ergot sclerotia and the resultant pig diets contained 20 to 40 mg alkaloids/kg, predominantly DHES.…”