The syndrome makes cows become temperamental, reduces their production and leaves them suffering from various ailments, including heat stress and staggers.
It is caused by toxins produced by the rye grass endophyte in pastures.
The syndrome was discussed as part of the `More Milk, Less Stress’ field day at Ecklin, near Terang. The field day, held last month, was organised by Farmgate Stockfeeds and aimed to help dairy farmers improve their milk output and cope better when times are tough.
Along with milk production and herd health tips, the field day also heard from health professionals about dealing with stress as a farmer.
Ruminant nutritionist Damian Moore, director of feed safety with Meriden Animal Health, told the field day that “cranky cow” syndrome was more of a problem than most farmers realised.
“They often blame the weather, dogs and all sorts of things for when cows are playing up but the problem is actually caused by these toxins produced by the endophytes in their pastures,” Moore said.
“Most farmers don’t realise the cause because the toxins have been in the pastures for so long and so have the effects.”
The toxins produced by the endophytes can cause a variety of effects, such as giving the cows `staggers’, heat stress, a reduction in feed intake, reduced milk production and general irritability.
“Affected cows will be quite temperament and tend to strike out, kick the cups off and be frightened very easily,” Moore said.
Endophytes are particularly prevalent in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue and most frequently found in older pastures.
Moore said Australia’s meat industry lost about $60 million a year in stock and production loss due to endophyte toxins.
Extreme cases in hot summers could result in multiple animal deaths, he added.
Moore said there was no silver bullet cure for the problem but Fusion, a new generation microtoxin binder, was working well in reducing the direct effects of perennial ryegrass toxicity.
Also at the field day Performance Probiotics area manager Tom Newton outlined natural ways to improve herd health and performance, dairy farmer Jack Kenna told his story of running a dairy farm and business while coping with a mental illness, and local health workers organised by Aspire, A Pathway to Mental Health provided advice about recognising and handling stressful times.
Farmgate Stockfeeds director Mathew Logan said the field day was designed to provide farmers with relevant advice on animal health and production, as well as informing them about how to identify and deal with signs of stress.
