Author
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Brauer, David |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2006 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Recent results from various ARS locations regarding solutions to the endophyte problem of the use of cool season forage as a feed stock for ruminants were presented. The endophyte problem refers to decreases in animal health and productivity when livestock consume cool-season forages like tall fescue and perennial ryegrass that are infested with naturally occurring endophytic fungi. The fungi-plant combination produces secondary compounds that are toxic to livestock when consumed in sufficient amounts. Environmental conditions appear to affect the threshold at which these compounds affect animal health. Over a half dozen ARS locations have research projects that contribute to the agency's efforts in this area; they include: Beaver, WV; Athens and Watinsville, GA; Raleigh, NC; El Reno, OK, Logan UT; Pullman, WA, and Corvallis OR. ARS locations at Lexington, KY and Booneville, AR and cooperating scientists at the University of Arkansas, University of Missouri, University of Kentucky, and Oregon State University have major research thrusts related to the endophyte problem. |
