Agalactica, reproductive problems and neonatal mortality in horses associated with the ingestion of Claviceps purpurea.

This research article examines how the ingestion of Claviceps purpurea, a type of fungus also known as ergot, can lead to reproductive issues and increased neonatal mortality in horses.

Study Objective and Methodology

• The aim of the study is to chronicle two incidences of ergot intoxication in horse populations. The contamination occurred in two thoroughbred studs located in the County of Bage, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
• The horses consumed oats mixed with sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea fungus, better known as ergot. These oats also had ryegrass seeds, which were revealed as the only source of ergot.
• The average amount of ergot ingested varied on each farm, with farm 1 having slightly higher average concentration.

Observations and Findings

• Post ingestion of contaminated oat feed, the horses showed several clinical signs. Most noticeable were the lack of udder development and the (absence of milk secretion agalactia) that did not resolve after parturition.
• Certain mares, notably one on farm 1 and some on farm 2, began lactation around 10 to 15 days post-delivery. The former had consumed the contaminated oats for only 15 days before foaling.
• Other symptoms observed included thickened fetal membranes that required manual rupture, dystokia, poor cervical dilation and uterine contractions, prolonged pregnancy, and post-delivery exhaustion.
• There were also incidences of retained fetal membranes, uterine rupture, and abortion while the mares were being fed ergot.

Connection between Ergot Ingestion and Reproductive Complications

• The researchers observed a higher frequency of reproductive problems during and after the ingestion of ergot on both farms.
• Embryonic death and anestrus (a period of sexual inactivity) were reported exclusively in agalactic mares, implying these issues were likely related to ergot consumption.
• Examination of tissues from affected animals revealed thickening of the allantochorion and chorionic epithelium with areas of calcification, which were not observed in unaffected mares.

Therefore, the study demonstrates a clear link between Claviceps purpurea ingestion and reproductive health issues in horses, emphasizing the importance of preventing fungal contamination in livestock feeds.