IMPACT OF SORGHUM ERGOT (CLAVICEPS AFRICANA) ON MILK PRODUCTION

摘要

Sorghum ergot is caused by the fungus Claviceps africana. It infects late-planted crops at pollination, reducing grain yield and quality due to presence of fungal sclerotia (ergots) (Blaney et al. 2000). In central Qld in 1997, and southern Qld in 2003, sorghum ergot caused dairy, feedlot and piggery losses. Two studies in 1997 and 1998 examined effects of sorghum ergot on production and health of Holstein-Friesian cows.