ergot may cause serious irritation of the digestive tract, or by acting upon the nervous system it may cause lethargy or paralysis.
"Special Report on Diseases of Cattle"
U.S. Department of Agriculture J.R. Mohler
Cattle seem to be more susceptible than other animals to the influence of ergot, possibly on account of the slowness of the heart's action.
"Special Report on Diseases of Cattle"
U.S. Department of Agriculture J.R. Mohler
The effect of the protracted use of ergot in the feed is pretty well understood to be that of producing a degeneration and obstruction of the smaller arterial branches.
"Special Report on Diseases of Cattle"
U.S. Department of Agriculture J.R. Mohler