Fescue Toxic Syndrome Update

Abstract

"Summer syndrome," "summer slump," "fescue toxicity" and "fescue toxicosis" are terms which have been widely used to denote poor animal performance by cattle grazing tall fescue during summer. Characteristic of this condition is reduced feed intake, decreased rate of gain and /or milk production, rough hair coat, rapid breathing, increased body temperature and a generally unthrifty condition. In recent years, this condition has been shown to be associated with an endophytic fungus. Research from several states has demonstrated that the endophyte is associated with quality problems in tall fescue. Interdisciplinary teams of researchers at different locations are presently engaged in studies attempting to provide answers to many remaining questions concerning the endophyte and tall fescue. Advances have been made in breeding and selection of fungus-free plants.