MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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Ergot/Fescue Alkaloids in Feedstuff

Lab Section Toxicology
Test Description HPLC quantitation of ergovaline, the primary ergopeptine
alkaloid associated with toxic endophyte
(Neotyphodium coenophialum)-infected tall fescue and also
a minor product of ergot. Test also includes the quantitation
of the five ergopeptine alkaloids (ergosine, ergotamine,
ergocornine, ergocryptine, ergocristine) that are generally
associated with Claviceps purpurea (ergot)
Species Not applicable

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Sample Type Feedstuffs
Container Sealed leak-proof container (Ziploc bag preferred)
Special Submission Instructions
  • Representative sampling is essential.
  • Provide 250-450 grams (0.5-1 lb.) of sample; quart-size bag of grains (corn, wheat, rye, etc.) or gallon-size bag of forages (hay, grass, silage, etc.).
  • If only a small sample is available for testing, contact the lab prior to shipping.
Turnaround time 7-10 business days

Message from the Director

The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory and Missouri’s only laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The VMDL is a Level I Lab of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, Tier I Lab of the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Response Network, and a National Poultry Improvement Plan authorized lab. The VMDL maintains an effective quality assurance and quality control program.

The VMDL has formal anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and clinical microbiology training programs. The VMDL faculty hold academic appointments in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. The director is administratively responsible to the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for the overall operation of the laboratory and its multiple missions of public service, teaching, research and continuing education/extension.

The VMDL faculty and staff work diligently to provide relevant, timely and cost-effective diagnostic services to our clients and to create a positive learning environment for our students and residents. In 2023, the VMDL processed approximately 64,924 accessions and performed more than 207,026 laboratory tests, which represents a 10.67 percent increase in diagnostic accessions and 17.54 percent increase in laboratory tests compared to 2022. The diagnostic service was utilized by veterinarians, owners, and researchers from 110 Missouri counties and independent cities and 28 other states.

About the MU VMDL

The VMDL is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The VMDL provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center.

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