Connecting the Dots for Alkaloids, Toxicosis Symptoms

摘要

Washington, D.C. (June 29, 2009)--New research from Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their university colleagues is shedding light on the relationship between chemical compounds and fescue toxicosis--a disease that affects grazing animals and costs the U.S. cattle industry an estimated 600 million dollar annually. Fescue toxicosis is a major problem for producers whose herds graze on tall fescue. A major forage grass in many states, tall fescue can cause toxicosis in cattle and other ruminants if it's infected with endophytic fungus. The disease causes lameness and reduced production efficiency, and can even be fatal if infected animals are subjected to stressful situations, such as extreme heat or long-distance transport.