Table 5.

Summary of ergot symptoms in mammals (8).

Form of ergotism	Species	Subfamily	Toxic alkaloid(s)	Symptoms
Convulsive ergotism	C. purpurea	Ergoline	Ergotoxin, ergometrine, ergotoxin (lysergic acid amines including lysergic acid, lysergol, ergine)	Writhing, tremors, twisted neck or head tilt (torticollis), confusion, hallucinations, tingling sensation underneath the skin (formication) and death
Gangrenous ergotism	C. purpurea	Ergopeptine (total dietary concentrations of >100–200 ppm can lead to death)	Ergotoxin, ergometrine, ergotoxin (lysergic acid amines), ergovaline, ergocryptine	Vasoconstriction, hot and cold feelings in the extremities, cold skin, spontaneous abortion, heat stress, severe lameness, reduced feed intake, reduced growth rate, agalactia, and gangrene. Ergocryptine affects prolactin levels and greatly reduces or eliminates milk production for lactation
Enteroergotism	C. fusiformis	Unknown	Clavine	Nausea, vomiting, somnolence, and giddiness
Hyperthermic ergotism	A. coenophialum, C. africana, C. cyperi, C. purpurea, C. sorghi	Unknown	Ergotamine, ergosine, and agroclavine	Fever, diarrhea, clear nasal discharge, weight loss, labored breathing, increased metabolic rate, excessive salivation, and low levels of prolactin