Ryegrass endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) alkaloids and mineral concentrations in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) from southwest Victorian pasture
K. F. M. Reed A C , J. R. Walsh A , P. A. Cross B , N. M. McFarlane A and M. A. Sprague AA Department of Primary Industries, Private Bag 105, Hamilton, Vic. 3300, Australia.
B Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment, 13 St John’s Avenue, New Town, Tas. 7008, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: Kevin.Reed@dpi.vic.gov.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44(12) 1185-1194 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA03242
Submitted: 16 November 2003 Accepted: 5 March 2004 Published: 24 January 2005
Abstract
On all of 120 farms in south-west Victoria that were selected at random and sampled during autumn and winter over 2 years, perennial ryegrass was present in the pasture and tested positive for the presence of the naturally occurring ryegrass endophyte, Neotyphodium lolii (mean frequency 78%). Ryegrass staggers were reported on 33% (1999) and 43% (2000) of the surveyed farms. Clinically significant concentrations of lolitrem B were detected in perennial ryegrass samples with concentrations in the range 0–4.44 mg/kg. Concentration exceeded 1.8 mg/kg in 37% of pastures indicating an inherent, widespread problem for livestock farmers. Concentration was independent of endophyte frequency, pasture age, pasture height, annual rainfall and origin of sown cultivar.
Ergovaline was detected in most of the perennial ryegrass samples with concentrations up to 3.90 mg/kg. In 1999, the mean concentration of ergovaline was 0.76 (± 0.70) mg/kg with 33% of pastures having a level >0.4 mg/kg, the level associated with heat stress in cattle. In 2000, sampling was carried out later in the year than for the 1999 survey and the mean concentration of ergovaline was 0.12 (± 0.10) mg/kg; 3% of samples exceeded 0.4 mg/kg. The mean concentration of peramine was 13.7 (± 6.6) mg/kg in the 1999 survey and 4.2 (± 5.1) mg/kg in the 2000 survey.
Mineral analysis indicated that perennial ryegrass nutrition was inadequate with regard to phosphorous on 17% of the dairy pastures and on 37% of the sheep/beef pastures. Potassium was deficient in perennial ryegrass on 5 and 37% of dairy and sheep/beef pastures respectively. For perennial ryegrass in sheep/beef pastures, 25% were deficient in sulphur.
For lactating cattle having only perennial ryegrass as a food source, phosphorous and copper concentrations in the grass were inadequate on 80% of the pastures. Calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium and sulphur concentrations in perennial ryegrass were also inadequate on some pastures. However, with 1 exception, the ratio [K/(Ca+Mg) expressed as equivalents] was less than 2.2, the level associated with the development of hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia (grass tetany) was therefore unlikely to be a major cause of the staggers syndrome.
Lolitrem B was negatively correlated with grass potassium concentration (P<0.001). Ergovaline was negatively correlated with date of sampling (P<0.001). Peramine concentration was positively correlated with endophyte frequency, the potassium and sodium concentrations in perennial ryegrass and negatively correlated with date of sampling. The need for research on the economic impact and management of pasture contaminated with ryegrass endophyte toxins is discussed.
Additional keywords: mycotoxins, ergovaline, ergovalinine, lolitrem B, peramine, minerals, staggers, grass tetany.
Acknowledgments
The research was supported by the Department of Primary Industries, the Dairy Research and Development Corporation and the Regional Dairy Board, West Vic. Dairy. Mrs Teresa Fowles, Adelaide University, carried out the mineral analysis of herbage. Farming families gave their cooperation willingly and we thank them for facilitating the survey. Mr Anthony Leddin and Ms Sarah Abbott provided some assistance with samples and data. We also thank an anonymous referee who provided valuable comments.
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