Ryegrass staggers

This is caused by a fungus or endophyte that releases a toxin that causes head nodding, staggering and unsteady walking in affected (usually young) animals. It is best prevented by having a broad range of grass species in the pasture rather than predominantly ryegrass, and not overstocking so animals are feeding on longer (older) pasture. If animals are affected, get them out of the pasture into an area free of it and feed them alpaca nuts or Lucerne hay.