Alkaloid poisoning in cattle exposed to kodo millet plant in Durg, Chhattisgarh, India

Weather conditions like spring and summer appear to have been favourable for a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture. Cool, damp spring weather followed by warmer temperatures favours grasses becoming infected from fungus called Claviceps purpurea. Examples of plant species infected include wheat, barley, oats etc. All domestic animals are susceptible to the effects of ergot; however, due to their diets ruminants are usually more commonly affected than others. Two types of ergotism have been described: convulsive and gangrenous. Though these two designations exist, the etiology of both is rooted in the vasoconstrictive ability of ergot alkaloids. An incident of ergot poisoning was recorded from the village in vicinity of Durg district, where a herd of cattle started to show the nervous symptoms including convulsion, tremors, muscle fasciculations. History revealed that the animals were grazing in the field where residues of kodo plant were spread. The feed sample was analysed for presence of toxins showed presence of alkaloids. Microscopic examination revealed presence of fungus Claviceps. All the animals were recovered when the source of infection was removed and treated symptomatically.