Influence of heat stress and fescue toxicosis on the pulmonary arterial pressure of beef heifers.

ABSTRACT: Peripheral vasoconstriction is a major consequence of fescue toxicosis (FT). However, it remains unclear if major blood vessels, such as the pulmonary artery, are impacted by this disease. This study aimed to evaluate changes in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and different physiological parameters in replacement beef heifers consuming an endophyte-infected (EI) ration. Purebred Angus heifers (216.3 ± 6.1 kg; 9 to 11 mo of age; n = 36) were randomly separated and fed either an EI or endophyte-free (EF) total mixed ration for 49 d. On day 1, iButton temperature data loggers were inserted intravaginally to record temperature every 20 min throughout the entire study. The cattle comfort index (CCI) was used to assess comfort and define exposure to heat stress as thermoneutral, mild heat stre

SUBMITTER: Rajo-Gomez EB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11971632 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature