Yields are reduced by formation of the sclerotia. More importantly, ergot is poisonous and can cause serious losses if fed to livestock and poultry. Animals fed large quantities of ergot over an extended period of time develop a dry gangrene resulting in the loss of hooves, ears, tails, combs and wattles. Spontaneous abortion and loss of milk can occur in cows or sows fed even small amounts of ergot. Brood sows, bred and milking cows are most susceptible and should not be fed ergoty grain.
Cattle are more susceptible to ergotism than other livestock.
The USDA Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory in Logan, Utah, suggests that cattle not be allowed to consume more than 1 ounce of sclerotia per head per day. In general, for all animals, keep the percentage of sclerotia as low as possible. The grain was then washed to remove the salt and dried. This procedure is still effective for small lots of grain. Prevent ergot introduction into your field by using sclerotia-free seed.