Question: Endophyte and rye grass

Answer:

A Word of Caution Against Camelids on Turf

Fungal endophytes were discovered in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass during mid 1980's. Since that time, we have learned of their potential to produce alkaloids harmful to livestock. The symptoms are usually not life-threatening, but can include abortion. We have also learned of potential benefits these alkaloids have in increasing plant insect resistance, summer hardiness, and overall yield. These differences have polarized the turf and forage seed industries.

The turf industry has a mixed position on endophyte, with some companies favoring high endophyte levels and some not making any specific claims regarding endophyte levels. Irrespective of these positions, most turf seed is sold with endophyte-infection levels up to 100%. There are few disadvantages of endophyte in turf, and many advantages with high endophyte levels.

The forage seed industry has adopted a standard of endophyte-free seed. This minimizes the possibility that livestock can become exposed to toxic endophyte alkaloids. Endophyte-free and endophyte-infected ryegrass and tall fescue appear identical and can only be distinguished by a laboratory test. There is some possibility that endophyte-free pastures can become re-invaded by endophyte-infected plants, and many growers prefer to exclude tall fescue and perennial ryegrass from their seed mixtures (all clovers, orchardgrass and Kentucky bluegrass are endophyte-free). Fescue and ryegrass are great forage species, however, and there is merit to retain them as pasture species. When establishing pastures using these species (or purchasing hay containing these species) ensure you use only forage seed that comes from a reputable seed dealer and that it comes with an endophyte test. It is also a good idea to learn to identify these species in pasture, and have an endophyte test every 2-3 years.

There are 4 rules for grazing camelids on tall fescue and ryegrass turf:
1) Don't mix forage and turf seed for pasture intended for livestock
2) Don't graze livestock on the turf around your house or farm buildings
3) Don't feed hay from turf (beside farm buildings, roadsides, or recreational fields)
4) Don't carry turf to livestock (e.g. in pens at shows)unless it, i) is from safe (tested) pasture, or ii) is turf from an endophyte-free species such as Kentucky bluegrass

23 December 2003
Dr David Barker
Assistant Professor
Horticulture and Crop Sci.,
Ohio State University

1) We have surveyed perennial ryegrass fields throughout Ohio and found significant levels of endophyte in ryegrass (we do endophyte testing in our lab for research projects). Notably, the 2 alpaca fields we sampled both had endophyte in the ryegrass. 1 of those fields had 'staggers' identified in the alpacas by Dr Anderson.

2) At the recent Ohio Camelid Conference we had a discussion about the toxicity of the ryegrass endophyte in Alpacas. One Vet from Australia commented that alpacas were more sensitive than other livestock species - but I do not know the basis for her statement.
I suspect that some research on that topic would be of value.
Dave Barker
I also think that there is a familial susceptibility to it. I frequently see one or maybe two alpacas out of hundreds on the same fields show signs. This may be an effect of grass selection, but may also be an inherited susceptibility.

David E Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVS