Forages of Texas - North Central » Forage Livestock Disorders

DISORDER: Staggers Plant Species: Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Reed Canarygrass, Dallisgrass, Bahiagrass Causes: Caused by Fungus (Acremonium) in old mature growth/seedhead. Mode of Action: Acute ergotism produces alkaloids, which are toxic. These alkaloids cause a degeneration of nervous tissue, hence the name staggers. Chronic ergotism (gangrene) - causes reduced blook circulation, similar to fescue toxicosis (Acremonium) Animal Symptoms: Acute ergotism - cattle twitch, tremble, become stiff-legged in the hind quarters, weak in the front legs, and are poorly coordinated. Chronic Ergotism - animals loose extremities. Conditions: Ryegrass/Dallisgrass - seedheads carry fungi (Claviceps) - reduces blood circulation. Bermudgrass staggers - tall rank growth with cool cloudy weather promotes fungi. Treatment: Remove cattle from infested pastures. Prevention: Graze heavily, mow, suppress seedhead production, and don't graze seedheads. More Disorders: | Blister Beetle | Bloat | Coumarin | Fescue Toxicosis | Fog Fever | Gossypol Toxicity | Grass Tetany | | Interstitial Cystitis | Lathyrism | Milk Fever | Nitrate Poisoning | Photosensitization | Prussic Acid | Staggers | |  Ag Programs   |  Center Information   |  Faculty & Staff   |  TAES - Research   |  TCE - Extension   |  Weather  | [ State of Texas Homepage | Privacy Policy | Open Records Policy | Copyright Infringement | Required Links | Statement of Purpose ]  Copyright ©2009 · The Texas A&M System · Research & Extension Center - Stephenville, Texas 76401 · 254.968.4144  Contact the Webmaster at:  stephenville@ag.tamu.edu