Ergot on Ryegrass?

[Tx Jim]

I've got Ryegrass with what appears to contain Ergot(fungus). If Ryegrass matures before baling as I'm sure it will because of extremely wet soil will hay be safe to feed to cows??? Will Ergot pustules fall off seedhead during cutting,raking.baling processes????
Thanks,Jim

 

[Lawnman TX]

I would get ahold of your county agent, or check with TAMU forage specialist to be sure.

Probably be ok for non pregnant cows

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks for reply. I'm not trying to be a smart Alec but why would anyone want to feed hay to some "non-pregnant" cows?

 

[Lawnman TX]

Thanks for reply. I'm not trying to be a smart Alec but why would anyone want to feed hay to some "non-pregnant" cows?

You could have some steers?

 

[Tx Jim]

You could have some steers?

I understand that if I was in the yearling raising business but I have a cow/calf operation. Ergot can also affect steers as I had a steer get down yrs back from eating Dallisgrass that had Ergot. Thanks,Jim