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

Abstract

Sorghum ergot should not exceed 0.3% (1 mg alkaloid/kg) in diets of multiparous sows fed before farrowing, and should be limited to 0.1% for primiparous sows, or avoided completely.

A review of potential contaminants in Australian livestock feeds and proposed guidance levels for feed

“…When fed to pre-farrowing sows, 1.5% ergot (7 mg alkaloids/ kg) caused complete agalactia, while minor reductions in milk production were observed at concentrations down to 0.3% ergot (1.4 mg alkaloids/kg) (Kopinski et al 2007). After lactation was in full flow sows were less susceptible, but 3% ergot (16 mg alkaloids/kg) still reduced milk production (Kopinski et al 2008c).…”

“…Pigs and poultry are a better option for use of lightly contaminated grain than ruminants apart from the serious risk of agalactia in sows fed ergot before farrowing, due to the inhibitory effects of ergot alkaloids on release of prolactin (Anderson and Werdin 1977;Kopinski et al 2007). In one Canadian study (Dignean et al 1986) milk production was not affected when sows were fed 0.2% rye ergot (4.5 mg alkaloids/kg of diet) from breeding until weaning, but the authors noted that their results were apparently at variance with other studies showing agalactia produced by lower ergot concentrations.…”

“…In one Canadian study (Dignean et al 1986) milk production was not affected when sows were fed 0.2% rye ergot (4.5 mg alkaloids/kg of diet) from breeding until weaning, but the authors noted that their results were apparently at variance with other studies showing agalactia produced by lower ergot concentrations. Studies with sorghum ergot fed to sows before farrowing, found adverse effects on milk production at alkaloid concentrations of 1.4-7 mg/kg (Kopinski et al 2007), but higher concentrations were tolerated after lactation had commenced (Kopinski et al 2008c). Nevertheless a concentration of 0.02% rye ergot (0.4 mg alkaloids/kg) should provide an adequate safety margin for weaner and breeder pigs.…”

“…Sorghum ergot alkaloids have similar effects as rye ergot alkaloids in reducing circulating prolactin concentrations, with severe impact on milk production of sows (Kopinski et al 2007(Kopinski et al , 2008c and cows (Moss et al 1999;Blaney et al 2000c). They also have vasopressor effects, reducing peripheral blood circulation and interfering with heat regulation in cattle .…”

Endometritis therapy in sows by intra uterine instillation of yeast cell wall solution

“…Symptoms may significantly vary depending on the degree of intoxication and it is documented that ergot derivatives suppress prolactine release (Blaney et al, 2000;Kopinski et al, 2007).…”