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Journal of animal science1992; 70(5); 1594-1603; doi: 10.2527/1992.7051594x

Effects of fescue toxicosis on reproduction in livestock.

Abstract: Fescue toxicosis in livestock is due to ingestion of endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum) -infected tall fescue. Understanding mechanisms responsible for decreased calving and growth rates, delayed onset of puberty, and impaired function of corpora lutea in heifers at puberty consuming endophyte-infected fescue is an emerging field in reproductive toxicology. The condition decreases overall productivity through a reduction in reproductive efficiency, reduced weight gains, and lowered milk production. Reproduction in cattle may be further compromised by winter coat retention, increased susceptibility to high environmental temperatures, and light intolerance. Endocrine effects in steers associated with infected tall fescue include reduced prolactin and melatonin secretions and altered neurotransmitter metabolism in the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and pineal glands. Ewes have decreased prolactin and lengthened intervals from introduction of the ram until conception. The endophyte induces prolonged gestation, thickened placentas, large, weak foals, dystocia, and agalactia in pregnant mares. Ergot peptide alkaloids, produced by the endophyte, are suggested as the primary cause of fescue toxicosis. These compounds reduce prolactin, increase body temperatures, and have powerful vasoconstrictive effects. Neurohormonal imbalances of prolactin and melatonin, with restricted blood flow to internal organs, may be the principal causes of aberrant reproduction, growth, and maturation in livestock consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue.
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Publication Date: 1992-05-11 PubMed ID: 1526927DOI: 10.2527/1992.7051594xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article studies the adverse effects of fescue toxicosis, a disease resulting from the consumption of a specific fungus-infected grass, on the reproductive health and overall productivity of livestock.

Objective of the Study

The study aims to explore the mechanisms responsible for fescue toxicosis, manifested as lower calf birth rates, retarded growth rates, delayed puberty onset, and dysfunctional corpora lutea in heifers. The research further investigates this adverse effect on the endocrine functioning in steers and ewes, as well as its impact on pregnant mares.

Fescue Toxicosis and Its Impact

  • Fescue toxicosis originates from livestock consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue, causing a severe drop in animal productivity due to diminished reproductive efficiency, reduced weight gains and curtailed milk production.
  • In cattle, the condition may worsen due to the retention of winter fur, increased susceptibility to high temperatures, and light intolerance, suggesting a significant disruption in their normal biological rhythm.
  • Endocrine effects are also marked, with steers showing reduced prolactin and melatonin secretions and altered neurotransmitter metabolism in pivotal organs like the hypothalamus, pituitary, and pineal glands.
  • Ewes affected by the condition had declined prolactin levels and increased intervals from the introduction of the ram to conception, indicating disrupted reproductive cycles.
  • Pregnant mares also faced complications including prolonged gestation, unusually thick placentas, extra-large foals, difficult labor (dystocia), and (lack of milk post-birth agalactia).

Possible Cause of Fescue Toxicosis

  • Through this research, Ergot peptide alkaloids produced by the endophyte have been suggested as the primary causal agents behind fescue toxicosis.
  • These compounds act destructively in the animal body by reducing prolactin, increasing body temperatures, and inducing powerful vasoconstrictive effects.
  • Neurohormonal imbalances involving prolactin and melatonin, coupled with limited blood flow to internal organs, may be the primary triggers for abnormal reproduction, growth, and maturation in livestock consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Cite This Article

APA
Porter JK, Thompson FN. (1992). Effects of fescue toxicosis on reproduction in livestock. J Anim Sci, 70(5), 1594-1603. https://doi.org/10.2527/1992.7051594x

Publication

Journal of animal science
ISSN: 0021-8812
NlmUniqueID: 8003002
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 70
Issue: 5
Pages: 1594-1603

Researcher Affiliations

Porter, J K
  • Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center, ARS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30613.
Thompson, F N

    MeSH Terms

    • Acremonium / growth & development
    • Animals
    • Animals, Domestic
    • Cattle
    • Cattle Diseases / etiology
    • Cattle Diseases / physiopathology
    • Ergotism
    • Female
    • Fertility / drug effects
    • Food Microbiology
    • Horse Diseases / etiology
    • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
    • Horses
    • Lactation / drug effects
    • Neurosecretory Systems / drug effects
    • Plant Poisoning / physiopathology
    • Plant Poisoning / veterinary
    • Poaceae / microbiology
    • Reproduction / drug effects
    • Sexual Maturation / drug effects
    • Sheep
    • Sheep Diseases / etiology
    • Sheep Diseases / physiopathology

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    This article includes 109 references

    Citations

    This article has been cited 34 times.
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