Behavioral and Physiological Alterations in Angus Steers Grazing Endophyte-Infected Toxic Fescue during Late Fall.

ABSTRACT: Fescue toxicosis is caused by grazing ergot alkaloid-producing endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala)-infected tall fescue (E+). Summer grazing of E+ leads to decreased productivity, associated impaired thermoregulation, and altered behavior. The goal of this study was to determine the role of E+ grazing-climate interaction on animal behavior and thermoregulation during late fall. Eighteen Angus steers were placed on nontoxic (NT), toxic (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) fescue pastures for 28 days. Physiological parameters, such as rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), ear and ankle surface temperature (ET, AT), and body weights, were measured. Skin surface temperature (SST) and animal activity were recorded continuously with temperature and behavioral activity sensors, respectively

SUBMITTER: Llada IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10222549 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature