Aspergillus clavatus tremorgenic neurotoxicosis in cattle fed sprouted grains.

摘要: Beef and dairy cattle from four different herds in southern central Queensland fed hydroponically-produced sprouted barley or wheat grain heavily infested with Aspergillus clavatus developed posterior ataxia knuckling of fetlocks, muscular tremors recumbency, but maintained appetite. A few animals variously had reduced milk production, hyperaesthesia, drooling saliva, hypermetria hind limbs muscle spasms. Degeneration large neurones was seen the brain stem spinal cord grey matter. The syndrome consistent tremorgenic mycotoxicosis ruminants. cases are earliest known to be associated this fungus Australia. They highlight a potential hazard hydroponic fodder production systems, which appear favour growth on grain, exacerbated some by equipment malfunctions that increase operating temperatures.