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Related Experiment Videos

Fescue toxicosis.

D J Blodgett1

  • 1Department of Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. dblodg@vt.edu

The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|January 10, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Endophyte fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum in tall fescue pastures produces ergovaline, a toxin harmful to livestock. Pregnant mares are particularly vulnerable, experiencing severe reproductive issues and foal complications.

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Tall fescue pastures in the US are commonly infected by the endophyte fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum.
  • This endophyte provides plant defense but produces detrimental toxins for animals, primarily ergopeptine alkaloids like ergovaline.
  • Ergovaline acts as a dopamine D2 agonist, disrupting hormonal balances, particularly prolactin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the toxic effects of Neotyphodium coenophialum endophyte infection in tall fescue.
  • To detail the specific impacts of ergovaline on animal physiology, with a focus on pregnant mares.
  • To outline the clinical manifestations of ergovaline toxicosis in equine reproduction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on Neotyphodium coenophialum and ergovaline toxicity.
  • Analysis of the pharmacological action of ergovaline as a dopamine D2 agonist.
  • Compilation of clinical signs associated with ergovaline exposure in pregnant mares.

Main Results:

  • Ergovaline is identified as the most detrimental ergopeptine alkaloid in endophyte-infected tall fescue.
  • Ergovaline's mechanism involves dopamine D2 agonism, leading to hormonal alterations.
  • Pregnant mares in late gestation exhibit heightened susceptibility to ergovaline toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Neotyphodium coenophialum infection in tall fescue poses significant reproductive risks to horses, especially during late gestation.
  • Ergovaline toxicosis in mares can result in prolonged gestation, dystocia, retained placentas, and agalactia.
  • Foals born to exposed mares often suffer from dysmaturity, stillbirth, or weakness, highlighting the critical need for management strategies.

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