Grainswest - Spring 2024

Spring 2024 grainswest.com 23 pertains to ergot is minimal. “This is an area that really requires some additional research, because there really aren’t a lot of studies out there,” said Walkowiak. “A lot of the information on management is more anecdotal. It doesn’t get regular attention, but it might be time to revisit and do some good studies to look at the best management practices for ergot.” Post-harvest, ergot can be cleaned, but usually costs 75 to 85 cents per bushel. The cost may be a few cents higher than this if it’s for seed. However, it may be worth the investment, especially if a farmer runs the risk of a downgraded delivery. It is possible to blend it off with a higher quality, clean crop. Walkowiak said federal government protocols are effective. Assessed cargoes are never failed for contamination reasons and are always exported without issue. “The grain grading system is working, and industry is doing a good job of cleaning it up when they need to,” he said. FEED COMPLICATIONS A level of primary risk does occur with grain screenings, which are often bought by feedlot owners in pallets and given directly to livestock. When palletized, the presence of ergot is difficult to detect on visual inspection. At the University of Lethbridge, in the heart of Feedlot Alley, Kim Stanford works as an associate professor of biological sciences and focuses on food- and feedborne pathogens. She works diligently to track and monitor the impact of ergot in feed cereals within the cattle sector. One of the biggest concerns is the presence of ergot alkaloids, which can severely damage livestock health or even be fatal when consumed. She said even though 2023 was drier than average, ergot was detected in feed grain, which indicates farmers must monitor for its presence. Regulations suggest animals should ingest no more than two to three parts per million ergot alkaloids, said Stanford. Feed companies can be prosecuted for selling unsafe feed if levels exceed three parts per million, she added. “Over three parts per million, you’re in big trouble. Even over two parts per million, probably you’re going to be in trouble.” Her most recent study demonstrated that 1.75 parts per million had no negative effects on the animals. “My finding that 1.75 was just fine doesn’t mean every feedlot that’s trying to feed 1.75 is fine,” she said. “They might run into problems. It’s difficult to work with and it’s better to err on the side of caution.” Of course, zero per cent is not achievable and an unnecessary target. Feedlot owners feeding their animals any grain, but especially screenings, should simply pay close attention to their herd. “The grain grading system is working, and industry is doing a good job of cleaning it up when they need to.” —SeanWalkowiak GRAIN UNITED STATES EUROPEAN UNION Wheat 0.05 0.02 Durum 0.05 0.02 Rye 0.30 0.05 Barley 0.10 0.02 Oats 0.10 0.02 Table 1. Current international tolerances for ergot (%m/m) in cereal grains.