Key points on ryegrass staggers impacts

  • High risk situations can be avoided
  • Symptoms include trembling, staggering, or difficulty walking
  • CM142 grasses offer improved tolerance to ryegrass staggers

Ryegrass staggers is a serious condition caused by toxins produced by certain endophytes found in perennial ryegrass. These toxins, primarily Lolitrem-B and Ergovaline, impact the nervous system of grazing animals, leading to symptoms such as trembling, lack of coordination, and in severe cases, collapse.

Sub clinical effects – impacting performance

Even when animals do not display obvious symptoms, sub-clinical effects can still negatively affect their productivity, resulting in reduced weight gain, lower milk yields, and overall poor performance.

Prolonged exposure

Prolonged exposure to endophyte toxins can also increase stress in livestock, making them more vulnerable to heat stress and circulation issues, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Typical symptoms of ryegrass staggers

Animals suffering from staggers may experience:

  • Trembling, staggering, or difficulty walking
  • Increased risk of injury or entrapment in paddocks or yards
  • Loose manure, scours, and dags, leading to hygiene concerns
  • Heat stress in warm conditions due to impaired circulation
  • Reduced blood flow to extremities, increasing the risk of lameness or even gangrene in cold weather

In high-risk situations, animals may struggle to graze effectively, leading to ill thrift and declining body condition. While some livestock may recover after being moved to safe pasture, toxins can linger in their system for up to two weeks, prolonging the recovery process.

Balancing Endophyte Benefits with Animal Safety

While endophytes provide valuable pasture persistence and pest resistance, it is crucial to select safe endophyte strains that balance plant survival and animal health. Options such as CM142 endophyte ryegrasses offer improved pest tolerance while significantly reducing the risk of ryegrass staggers compared to wild-type endophytes.

By choosing the right endophytes, managing pasture diversity, and carefully monitoring grazing patterns, farmers can minimize the impact of staggers and maintain healthy, productive livestock.