Breeding ability unaffected by ergot

A recently published study shows bulls can eat feed contaminated with ergot alkaloids without affecting their breeding soundness.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found minimal impact on breeding condition and dispelled questions about the impact of ergot alkaloids.

“Our research group has been hearing about concerns from producers that bulls exposed to ergot was potentially affecting cows getting pregnant. There are a lot of question marks about that desire from producers to know if there’ll be an effect on the bulls,” said Vanessa Cowan, who holds a PhD in toxicology from the U of S and is completing her final year of veterinary medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon.

“It’s a gap in the scientific literature. Female reproduction is more well studied when it comes to exposure to ergot alkaloids, but there’s no consistently effected parameter in adult bulls. So, we’re really interested in trying to bridge the gap and hopefully provide some practical information to producers, veterinarians and regulators,” said Cowan.