Effects of Sericea Lespedeza Supplementation on Steers Grazing Wild-Type Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue.

ABSTRACT: Condensed tannins (CTs) in certain leguminous forages can mitigate toxic alkaloid absorption linked to fescue toxicosis due to their high affinity towards various steroidal and protein-like alkaloids. However, their use as feed supplements remains underexplored. This study evaluated the impact of CT-rich sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) pellets on the post-ingestive effects of fescue toxicosis. Twelve steers on wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures received either sericea lespedeza pellets (LES) or LES with polyethylene glycol (LPEG; negative control) for 12 weeks over three consecutive summers. Body weight, hair coat scores, temperatures (rectal and extremity), cortisol levels, and caudal artery lumen area were measured every four weeks. Steers fed LES showed trend

SUBMITTER: Poudel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816162 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature