Benefit of dietary seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract in reducing heat strain and fescue toxicosis: a comparative evaluation

摘要

Much of the fescue throughout the world contains an endophytic fungus which protects the plant from heat and drought, but produces a condition known as fescue toxicosis when consumed by animals. Major symptoms include reduced feed intake and growth, and increased hyperthermia during heat stress. Seaweed extract was tested, using both rodent and bovine models, to determine potential for reduction of fescue toxicosis-induced hyperthermia. Results show that the seaweed extract reduces hyperthermia associated with fescue toxicosis.