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Table 2 Cases of suspected ergot poisoning in cattle in Ireland, from spring 1986[9]

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

Animal species

Presentation

Notes

2½ year old Friesian heifer

Very dull and inappetant, obvious pinging on auscultation and percussion of the left paralumbar fossa associated with a large empty rumen, marked ketonuria

Fed mouldy concentrates, aborted at 8 months gestation

5 year old Jersey cow

Recumbent, in extremis

Silage fed

1 year old Friesian bullock

Quite bright, eating normally

Silage fed

3 month old Friesian calf

Quite bright, eating normally

Fed poor quality hay

  1. All four animals were negative on both serology and bacteriology to Salmonella spp. All animals presented with cold insensitive extremities, and with some degree of sloughing of the ear tips, tail and digital horn of the hind limbs.
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Irish Veterinary Journal

ISSN: 2046-0481