| DISORDER: |
Fescue Toxicois |
| Plant Species: |
Tall Fescue |
|
| Causes: |
Fungal organism Acremonium coenophialum produces ergo valines and alkaloids. |
|
| Mode of Action: |
These alkaloids which are toxic reduce blood circulation, cause fever, and fat deposits in the abdominal region. |
|
| Animal Symptoms: |
| Performance Summer Slump |
Fescue Toxicosis |
Bovine fat necrosis |
1. Rough hair coat
2. Elevated body temp.
3. Reduced performance |
Loose extremities
- ears
- tails
- feet |
Fat deposits |
|
|
| Conditions: |
When fescue becomes mature; Fungal endophyte is most prevalent in the seedhead. |
|
| Treatment: |
Remove cattle from fescue pasture |
|
| Prevention: |
1. Dilute by grazing with legume or another grass.
2. Don’t graze in late season with seed head present. |
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