A Diagnostic Tool for Fescue Toxicosis

Abstract

Fescue toxicosis is the result of grazing endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Most tall fescue pastures are endophyte-infected (E+) and this results in the presence of ergot alkaloids in the forage. As a result of these alkaloids in E+, rate of gain and calving rates are decreased (Stuedemann and Hoveland, 1988). Individual animals may express either peripheral necrosis ("fescue foot") or fat necrosis as variants of the toxicosis. Affected animals grazing E+ forage during the summer months particularly, appear stressed with increased respiratory rates, spend excessive time in a shaded or water cooled environment, and have rough hair coats.