Diagnosis > Pig

Ergot Toxins
These are produced from the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea which affects wheat, oats, ryegrass and other grains by entering the seed and developing into a dark elongated body called a sclerotum. This contains toxic alkaloids, one of which is ergometrine. This reduces the size of the blood vessels and restricts the blood supply, particularly to the mammary gland and body extremities.

Clinical effects/signs
Levels above 1 g of sclerotum per kg of feed produce clinical signs of ergot poisoning. Typical symptoms include: poor growth rates, increased respiratory rate and general depression. Newborn piglets are small and weak, with a low survival rate. Blood flow to the mammary gland is restricted and this causes agalactia in lactating sows. Lameness may also be evident due to necrosis and sloughing of the hooves. Tail and ear necrosis is common, eventually leading to gangrene.

A summary of the threshold levels at which the different mycotoxins affect pig performance and immune function is presented below: