Impact of Low-Level Ergot Alkaloids and Endophyte Presence in Tall Fescue Grass on the Metabolome and Microbiome of Fall-Grazing Steers.

ABSTRACT: Fescue toxicosis (FT) is a mycotoxin-related disease caused by the ingestion of tall fescue, naturally infected with the ergot alkaloid (EA)-producing endophyte Epichloë coenophiala. Some grazing on endophyte-free (E-) or non-toxic (NT), commercial endophyte-infected pastures takes place in the US as well. Earlier, we found that grazing on toxic fescue with low levels of EAs during fall affects thermoregulation, behavior, and weight gain. Building on these findings, the current study aimed to investigate how the presence of low EA-producing E+ or NT endophytes can influence animal metabolome, microbiome, and, ultimately, overall animal health. Eighteen Angus steers were placed on NT, E+, and E- fescue pastures for 28 days. Urine, rumen fluid (RF), rumen solid (RS), and feces were co

SUBMITTER: Llada IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12115782 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature