J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1984. 58:1057-1061.
© 1984 American Society of Animal Science
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Summer Fescue Toxicity in Dairy Steers Fed Tall Fescue Seed1

James A. Jackson, Jr.2, R. W. Hemken2, J. A. Boling2, R. J. Harmon2, R. C. Buckner3 and L. P. Bush4

University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546-0215

Abstract

Seeds of the tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars Kentucky 31 and an experimental ryegrass x tall fescue hybrid derivative strain (Gl-307), and orchard grass (OG) seed were fed in a carrier diet to calves in controlled environmental rooms (31 to 32 C). Both tall fescue varieties produced symptoms of summer toxicosis in dairy steers. Total feed intake (P<.01) and water intake (P<.01) of calves were reduced by the tall fescue seed diets when compared with orchard grass. Steers fed Gl-307 and Kentucky 31 tall fescue lost (NS) 17.5 and 7.8 kg of body weight, respectively, while those consuming orchard grass gained (P<.01) 6.2 kg during the experiment. Rectal temperatures were lower (P<.05) in the calves fed OG (39.4 C) when compared with those fed Gl-307 (40.6 C) and Kentucky 31 (40.8 C) tall fescue seed, respectively. In a second trial Kentucky 31 seed was fed in a carrier diet to Holstein steers at graded levels of 0, 350, 700 and 1,050 g seed/d. Consumption of 700 and 1,050 g seed/d adversely affected performance of steers. Total feed intake was lower and water intake was reduced (P<.05), with rectal temperatures being elevated (P<.01) in these two groups when compared with 0- or 350-g treatments. No significant differences were detected in body weight changes in this trial. Respiration rates were not significantly affected in either trial. Results of these trials with the young bovine indicate that a toxic substance(s) is present in tall fescue seed.

Footnotes

1 This manuscript (82-5-3-105) is published with the approval of the Kentucky Agr. Exp. Sta.

2 Dept. of Anim. Sci.

3 Dept. of Agron. and USDA-ARS, Lexington, KY.

4 Dept. of Agron






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Copyright © 1984 by the American Society of Animal Science.