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Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to ergot alkaloids reduces vasoactivity of serotonin (5HT) receptors. Chemical suppression of tall fescue seedhead production is a tool to reduce the level of exposure to ergot alkaloids by a grazing animal. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate contractility of lateral saphenous veins biopsied from mixed breed steers following a 87- to 101-d grazing period on 3-ha pastures of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon; n = 5 steers; BW = 340 ± 9 kg), or toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) that was not treated (n = 5 steers; BW = 300 ± 6; 0.56 ppm ergovaline) or was treated (n = 5 steers; BW = 294 ± 9 kg; 0.24 ppm ergovaline) with herbicide containing aminopyralid and metsulfuron-methyl. To evaluate contractility, biopsied veins were mounted in a multimyograph and exposed to increasing concentrations of a tall fescue seed extract (EXT; ergovaline source) and 5HT1B (CP 93129), 5HT1D (L-694,247), and 5HT2A (TCB2) agonists. All contractility data were normalized to a maximal response of 1 x 10-4 M norepinephrine and were analyzed as a split plot treatment design using SAS for effects of pasture treatment, agonist concentration, and the interaction. There was no contractile response to any concentration of 5HT1B agonist in any of the pasture treatments. There were pasture x concentration interactions for contractile responses to 5HT2A agonist (P < 0.01) and EXT (P < 0.01). For both EXT and TCB2, veins from bermudagrass steers were more vasoactive to the higher concentrations of these compounds (P < 0.05), and there were no differences between veins collected from the unsuppressed or seedhead- suppressed treatments (P = 0.66). There was also a pasture x concentration interaction for the contractile responses to 5HT1D agonist (P < 0.01). However, these responses were not sigmoidal and reached a zenith at 5 x 10-7 and 1 x 10-6 M. At these concentrations, the response was greatest for veins from the unsuppressed treatment (P < 0.05) and did not differ between veins from suppressed and bermudagrass treatments (P = 0.41). Although reduced levels of ergovaline in seedhead-suppressed pastures did not alter vasoactivity of 5HT2A or 5HT1B receptors in the lateral saphenous vein, elevated vasoactivity of 5HT1D in veins from unsuppressed tall fescue pasture treatment suggests that lower ergovaline levels in seedhead-suppressed pastures can influence the vascular effects of ergot alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has indicated that serotonergic and α-adrenergic receptors in peripheral vasculature are affected by exposure of cattle grazing toxic endophyte-infected (E+; Epichlöe coenophialia) tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). The objective of this experiment was to determine the period of time necessary for the vascular effects of ergot alkaloids to subside. Two experiments were conducted to investigate changes in vascular contractile response and vasoconstriction over time relative to removal from an ergot alkaloid-containing E+ tall fescue pasture. In Experiment 1, lateral saphenous vein biopsies were conducted on 21 predominantly Angus steers (357 ± 3 kg body weight) at 0 (n = 6), 7 (n = 6), 14 (n = 5), or 28 days (n = 4) after removal from grazing pasture (3.0 ha; endpoint ergovaline + ergovalinine = 1.35 mg/kg DM) for 126 days. In Experiment 2, lateral saphenous veins were biopsied from 24 Angus-cross steers (361 ± 4 kg body weight) at 0, 21, 42, and 63 days (n = 6 per time point) following removal from grazing tall fescue pastures (3.0 ha; first 88 days endpoint ergovaline + ergovalinine = 0.15 mg/kg DM; last 18 days endpoint ergovaline + ergovalinine = 0.57 mg/kg DM) for 106 total days. Six steers (370 ± 18 kg body weight) off of bermudagrass pasture for the same time interval were also biopsied on Day 0 and Day 63 (n = 3 per time point). Additionally, in Experiment 2, cross-sectional ultrasound scans of caudal artery at the fourth coccygeal vertebra were taken on Days 0, 8, 15, 21, 29, 36, 42, and 45 to determine mean artery luminal area to evaluate vasoconstriction. In both experiments, steers were removed from pasture and housed in a dry lot and fed a corn silage diet for the duration of biopsies and ultrasound scans. Biopsied vessels used to evaluate vasoactivity were cleaned, incubated in a multimyograph, and exposed to increasing concentrations of 4-Bromo-3,6-dimethoxybenzocyclobuten-1-yl) methylamine hydrobromide (TCB2; 5HT2A agonist), guanfacine (GF; α2A-adrenergic agonist), and (R)-(+)-m-nitrobiphenyline oxalate (NBP; α2C-adrenergic agonist) in both experiments and ergovaline (ERV) and ergotamine (ERT) in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In Experiment 1, days off pasture × agonist concentration was not significant (p > 0.1) for all four compounds tested. In Experiment 2, GF, NBP, TCB2 and ERT were significant for days off pasture × agonist concentration interaction (p < 0.02) and vasoactivity increased over time. Vasoactivity to agonists was reduced (p < 0.05) when steers were initially removed from E+ tall fescue pasture compared to bermudagrass, but did not differ by Day 63 for any variable. Luminal areas of caudal arteries in steers grazed on E+ tall fescue relaxed and were similar to steers that had grazed bermudagrass for 36 days on non-toxic diet (p = 0.15). These data demonstrate changes in peripheral vasoactivity and recovery from vasoconstriction occur beyond five weeks off toxic pasture and 5HT2A receptors appear to be more dramatically affected in the lateral saphenous vein by grazing E+ tall fescue pasture than adrenergic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh] with metsulfuran-methyl {Methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxyl-6- methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-amino]carbonyl]amino] sulfonyl] benzoate}, as delivered by Chaparral herbicide (Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN) can mitigate fescue toxicosis and enhance forage nutritive value by suppressing seedhead emergence. A grazing experiment was conducted with steers (2013) and heifers (2014) to evaluate animal and plant responses to grazing management of mixed cool-season grass pastures treated with Chaparral. Continuous and rotational stocking treatments were assigned to six, 3.0-ha pastures in a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2013 and two replications in 2014. Each pasture had six tester animals, and stocking rates were varied using put-and-take animals. Pastures were grazed from 16 April to 8 July 2013 and 20 May to 12 Aug. 2014. Pasture carrying capacity was 20% greater for rotational than continuous stocking. Calves on rotationally stocked pastures also had 26% greater average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) gain per hectare than those on the continuous treatment. Pre-grazed herbage had less neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) than post-grazed herbage and herbage from continuously stocked pastures in 2013, but they did not differ in 2014. Crude protein (CP) was lower in post-graze rotational pasture than in continuous or pre-graze rotational pasture. Fescue roots in rotationally stocked pastures had greater water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and N concentrations than continuously stocked pastures following the second year of grazing. Results indicated that rotational stocking of Chaparral treated mixed pastures can improve animal performance and pasture productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot alkaloids produced by the endophyte [Neofyphodium coenophialum (Morgan-Jones and Gams) Glenn, Bacon, and Hanlin] of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] are a common problem faced by livestock producers. These toxins are concentrated within seedheads of tall fescue, which cattle were observed to selectively graze. There appears to be little research showing the extent to which alkaloids are released from developing seedheads during digestion. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the amount at which tall fescue seedheads were removed by cattle and to estimate the amount of ergovaline that is released from these tissues. Seedheads from tall fescue pastures were monitored for consumption by steers during summer 2010. Samples were digested with a two-stage procedure, and ergovaline concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. By mean stage count 3.91 (Day of Year 155), 60.7 ± 2.87% of seedheads within the pastures had been grazed, and 2 wk later increased to nearly 78.8 ± 0.82%. Ergovaline concentrations of seedheads increased throughout the season and were highest in mid-June. The percentage of ergovaline released from seedheads collected in mid-June was lower than earlier dates, but the difference was small. Results of this study indicate that high concentrations of ergovaline are released from tall fescue seedheads during the growing season, and management strategies should be aimed at controlling reproductive growth of the grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaparral herbicide has been shown to suppress seedhead emergence in tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh] and potentially mitigate the effects of fescue toxicosis. A two-year grazing experiment evaluated steers grazed on endophyte- infected fescue-Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) pastures either treated or untreated with Chaparral herbicide to determine if seedhead suppression alleviates fescue toxicosis and increases average daily gain (ADG). Treatments were assigned to six, 3.0-ha fescue-bluegrass pastures in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Pastures were grazed with 48 steers (2.7 steers ha-1) from 9 A pr. to 1 July 2009 and 6 Apr. to 7 July 2010. Reproductive tiller densities in treated pastures were low in both years (<7 m-2) in comparison with untreated pastures (113 and 69 tillers m-2 in 2009 and 2010, respectively). Ergovaline and ergovalinine concentrations were three- to sixfold greater in seeds than in leaf blades and sheaths of vegetative and reproductive tillers. Crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates, and in vitro digestible dry matter concentrations of tillers declined over time at a greater rate in untreated than in treated pastures. Steers on treated pastures had greater (P < 0.01) ADG, lower (P < 0.10) rectal temperatures, and greater (P < 0.01) serum prolactin concentrations. Results indicated that Chaparral herbicide can suppress reproductive development of fescue to increase ADG and reduce the severity of toxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: [1.] Doppler-image ultrasonography was used to document vascular changes and blood flow rates of cattle (Bos taurus) under hot (32.7°C) and cold (8.1°C) conditions for 24h. [2.] Blood flow rates in the caudal artery increased from 27.8 (−2h) to 43.4mL/min at 23h when cattle were maintained at 32.7°C. [3.] Cattle at 8.1°C showed lower caudal artery flow rates after 23h (29.3 at −2h to 13.8mL/min at 23h), following a rate increase after the challenge. [4.] The ability of Doppler-image ultrasound to detect vascular changes due to ambient temperature demonstrates its use as a non-invasive tool for assessing environmental stress on hemodynamics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims The objective was to determine the effect of the isoflavone biochanin A ( BCA) on rumen cellulolytic bacteria and consequent fermentative activity. Methods and Results When bovine microbial rumen cell suspensions ( n = 3) were incubated (24 h, 39°C) with ground hay, cellulolytic bacteria proliferated, short-chain fatty acids were produced and pH declined. BCA (30 μg ml−1) had no effect on the number of cellulolytic bacteria or pH, but increased acetate, propionate and total SCFA production. Addition of BCA improved total digestibility when cell suspensions ( n = 3) were incubated (48 h, 39°C) with ground hay, Avicel, or filter paper. Fibrobacter succinogenes S85, Ruminococcus flavefaciens 8 and Ruminococcus albus 8 were directly inhibited by BCA. Synergistic antimicrobial activity was observed with BCA and heat killed cultures of cellulolytic bacteria, but the effects were species dependent. Conclusions These results indicate that BCA improves fibre degradation by influencing cellulolytic bacteria competition and guild composition. Significance and Impact of the Study BCA could serve as a feed additive to improve cellulosis when cattle are consuming high-fibre diets. Future research is needed to evaluate the effect of BCA on fibre degradation and utilization in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) occurs when highly fermentable carbohydrates are introduced into the diet, decreasing pH and disturbing the microbial ecology of the rumen. Rumen amylolytic bacteria rapidly catabolize starch, fermentation acids accumulate in the rumen and reduce environmental pH. Historically, antibiotics (e.g., monensin, MON) have been used in the prevention and treatment of SARA. Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavone produced by red clover (Trifolium pratense), mitigates changes associated with starch fermentation ex vivo. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of BCA on amylolytic bacteria and rumen pH during a SARA challenge. Twelve rumen fistulated steers were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: HF CON (high fiber control), SARA CON, MON (200 mg d-1), or BCA (6 g d-1). The basal diet consisted of corn silage and dried distiller's grains ad libitum. The study consisted of a 2-wk adaptation, a 1-wk HF period, and an 8-d SARA challenge (d 1–4: 40% corn; d 5–8: 70% cracked corn). Samples for pH and enumeration were taken on the last day of each period (4 h). Amylolytic, cellulolytic, and amino acid/peptide-fermenting bacteria (APB) were enumerated. Enumeration data were normalized by log transformation and data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The SARA challenge increased total amylolytics and APB, but decreased pH, cellulolytics, and in situ DMD of hay (P < 0.05). BCA treatment counteracted the pH, microbiological, and fermentative changes associated with SARA challenge (P < 0.05). Similar results were also observed with MON (P < 0.05). These results indicate that BCA may be an effective alternative to antibiotics for mitigating SARA in cattle production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochanin A, an isoflavone present in the pasture legume red clover (Trifloium pratense L.), alters fermentation in the rumen of cattle and other ruminants. Biochanin A inhibits hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria and promotes cellulolytic bacteria and fiber catalysis in vitro and ex vivo. Consequently, biochanin A supplementation improves weight gain in grazing steers. Red clover contains biologically active isoflavones that may act synergistically. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of two levels of red clover hay on growth performance and the microbial community in growing steers grazing mixed grass pastures. A grazing experiment was conducted over 2 early growing seasons (2016 and 2017) with 36 cross-bred steers and twelve rumen-fistulated, growing Holstein steers for evaluation of average daily gain and rumen microbiota, respectively. Steers were blocked by body weight and assigned to pastures with one of four treatments: 1) pasture only, 2) pasture + dry distillers' grains (DDG), 3) pasture + DDG + low level of red clover hay (~15% red clover diet), or 4) pasture + DDG + high level of red clover hay (~30% red clover diet). DDG were added to treatments to meet protein requirements and to balance total protein supplementation between treatments. All supplementation strategies (DDG ± red clover hay) increased average daily gains in comparison to pasture-only controls (P < 0.05), with a low level of red clover supplementation being the most effective (+0.17 kg d-1 > DDG only controls; P < 0.05). Similarly, hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria inhibition (10–100-fold; P < 0.05), fiber catalysis (+10–25%; P < 0.05) and short chain fatty acid concentrations were greatest with the low red clover supplement (+~25%; P < 0.05). These results provide evidence that lower levels or red clover supplementation may be optimal for maximizing overall microbial community function and animal performance in grazing steers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that livestock exposed to ergot alkaloids results in decreased vasoactivity of gastrointestinal and peripheral vasculature. Little is known regarding the effect ergot alkaloid exposure during gestation may have on vasculature supporting the fetus. The objective of this study was to evaluate contractile responses of uterine and umbilical arteries collected from ewes consuming ergot alkaloids during gestation. On day 35 of gestation, 36 Suffolk ewes (78.24 ± 9.5 kg) were assigned to endophyte-infected (E+) or endophyte-free (E−) tall fescue seed treatments that were fed either throughout or switched on day 86 of gestation, creating four seed treatments E+E+, E+E−, E−E+, and E−E−. Ewes were fed E+ tall fescue seed to provide 1.77 mg of total ergovaline ⋅ hd−1 ⋅ d−1 with E− ewes receiving the same quantity of E− seed. Gestation was terminated on day 133, and sections of uterine artery and umbilical cord were surgically collected. Only collections from 28 ewes (n = 7/treatment) were of sufficient viability to proceed with the contractility experiments. Arteries were cleaned, sliced into 2-mm cross sections, and suspended in multi-myograph chambers containing 5 mL of continuously oxygenated Krebs–Henseleit buffer. Vessels were exposed to increasing concentrations (5 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−4 M) of norepinephrine, serotonin, ergotamine, and ergovaline (5 × 10−9 to 1 × 10−5 M ; extract of tall fescue seed) in 15-min intervals. Increasing concentrations of norepinephrine generated a contractile response by the uterine artery (P < 0.05), but no response in the umbilical artery. Increasing concentrations of serotonin resulted in negligible responses in uterine preparations, whereas umbilical artery preparations were responsive (P < 0.05) to serotonin. Ewes receiving E+E+ and E−E+ treatments had decreased vasoactivity in umbilical arteries to serotonin with a dextral shift in concentrations where the response curve initiated (P < 0.05). Interestingly, uterine arteries were not responsive to exposure to ergotamine or ergovaline, whereas umbilical arteries were responsive (P < 0.05). Umbilical arteries collected from ewes receiving E−E− and E+E− were more vasoactive to ergot alkaloids (P < 0.05) than other treatments. These findings indicate that maternal blood supply to the placenta appears protected from negative effects of ergot alkaloids; however, umbilical vasculature is not, and this could adversely influence fetal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tall fescue [ Lolium arundinaceum (Scheyreb.) Darbysh] is the primary cool season forage grass in the Southeastern United States. Most tall fescue contains an endophytic fungus (Epichloë coenophiala) that produces ergot alkaloids and upon ingestion induces fescue toxicosis. The objective of this study was to assess how exposure to endophyte-infected (E+ ; 1.77 mg hd−1 d−1 ergovaline and ergovalinine) or endophyte-free (E- ; 0 mg hd−1 d−1 ergovaline and ergovalinine) tall fescue seed fed during 2 stages of gestation (MID, days 35–85/ LATE, days 86–133) alters placental development. Thirty-six, fescue naïve Suffolk ewes were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 fescue treatments: E−/E−, E−/E+, E+/E−, or E+/E+. Ewes were individually fed the same amount of E+ or E− seed mixed into total mixed ration during MID and LATE gestation. Terminal surgeries were conducted on day 133 of gestation. Ewes fed E+ fescue seed had elevated (P < 0.001) ergot alkaloid excretion and reduced (P < 0.001) prolactin levels during the periods when fed E+ seed. Ewes switched on day 86 from E− to E+ seed had a 4% reduction (P = 0.005) in DMI during LATE gestation, which translated to a 2% reduction (P = 0.07) in DMI overall. Average daily gain was also reduced (P = 0.049) by 64% for E−/E+ ewes during LATE gestation and tended to be reduced (P = 0.06) by 33% overall. Ewes fed E+ seed during LATE gestation exhibited a 14% and 23% reduction in uterine (P = 0.03) and placentome (P = 0.004) weights, respectively. Caruncle weights were also reduced by 28% (P = 0.003) for E−/E+ ewes compared with E−/E− and E+/E−. Ewes fed E+ seed during both MID and LATE gestation exhibited a 32% reduction in cotyledon (P = 0.01) weights, whereas ewes fed E+ seed only during MID gestation (E+/E−) had improved (P = 0.01) cotyledon weights. The percentage of type A placentomes tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for E+/E+ ewes compared with other treatments. Other placentome types (B, C, or D) did not differ (P > 0.05). Total fetal weight per ewe was reduced (P = 0.01) for ewes fed E+ seed during LATE gestation compared with E−; however, feeding E+ seed during MID gestation did not alter (P = 0.70) total fetal weight per ewe. These results suggest that exposure to ergot alkaloids during LATE (days 86–133) gestation has the greatest impact on placental development by reducing uterine and placentome weights. This, in turn, reduced total fetal weight per ewe by 15% in ewes fed E+ seed during LATE gestation (E−/E+ and E+/E+). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot alkaloids in endophyte-infected grasses inhibit prolactin secretion and reduce milk production in lactating cows. However, we previously showed that prepartum consumption of infected seed throughout the dry period did not inhibit subsequent milk production and prior exposure to bromocriptine (ergot peptide) actually increased production in the next lactation. To identify changes in the transcriptome and molecular pathways mediating the mammary gland's response to ergot alkaloids in the diet, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was performed on mammary tissues obtained from 22 multiparous Holstein cows exposed to 1 of 3 treatments. Starting at 90 ± 4 d prepartum, cows were fed endophyte-free fescue seed (control; CON), endophyte-free fescue seed plus 3×/wk subcutaneous injections of bromocriptine (BROMO; 0.1 mg/kg of BW), or endophyte-infected fescue seed (INF) as 10% of the diet. Cows were dried off 60 ± 2 d prepartum. Mammary biopsies from 4 (BROMO, INF) or 5 (CON) cows/treatment at each of the 3 phases were obtained: 7 d before dry off during the initial lactation (L1), mid-dry period (D), and 10 d postpartum (L2). Although tissue from the same cow was preferentially used at 3 phases (L1, D, L2), tissue from additional cows were used to as necessary to provide RNA of sufficient quality. Individual samples were used to generate individual RNA-seq libraries. Normalized reads of the RNA-seq data were organized into technical and biological replicates before processing with the RSEM software package. Each lactation phase was processed separately and genes that differed between any of 3 treatments were identified. A large proportion of genes differentially expressed in at least 1 treatment (n = 866) were found to be similarly expressed in BROMO and INF treatments, but differentially expressed from CON (n = 575, total for 3 phases). Of genes differentially expressed compared with CON, 104 genes were common to the L1 and L2 phases. Consistent with the production findings, networks most affected by treatments in L1 and L2 included lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry, and molecular transport, whereas networks related more to developmental and cellular functions and maintenance were evident during D phase. Similar patterns of expression in BROMO and INF during late and early lactation suggest involvement of similar cell signaling pathways or mechanisms of action for BROMO and INF and the importance of prolactin messaging pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal grains are often included in equine diets. When starch intake exceeds foregut digestion starch will reach the hindgut, impacting microbial ecology. Probiotics (e.g., lactobacilli) are reported to mitigate GI dysbioses in other species. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exogenous lactobacilli on pH and the growth of amylolytic and lactate-utilizing bacteria. Feces were collected from 3 mature geldings fed grass hay with access to pasture. Fecal microbes were harvested by differential centrifugation, washed, and re-suspended in anaerobic media containing ground corn, wheat, or oats at 1.6% (w/v) starch and one of five treatments: Control (substrate only), L. acidophilus, L. buchneri, L. reuteri, or an equal mixture of all three (107 cells/mL, final concentration). After 24 h of incubation (37°C, 160 rpm), samples were collected for pH and enumerations of total amylolytics, Group D Gram-positive cocci (GPC; Enterococci, Streptococci), lactobacilli, and lactate-utilizing bacteria. Enumeration data were log transformed prior to ANOVA (SAS, v. 9.3). Lactobacilli inhibited pH decline in corn and wheat fermentations (P < 0.0001). Specifically, addition of either L. reuteri or L. acidophilus was most effective at mitigating pH decline with both corn and wheat fermentation, in which the greatest acidification occurred (P < 0.05). Exogenous lactobacilli decreased amylolytics, while increasing lactate-utilizers in corn and wheat fermentations (P < 0.0001). In oat fermentations, L. acidophilus and L. reuteri inhibited pH decline and increased lactate-utilizers while decreasing amylolytics (P < 0.0001). For all substrates, L. reuteri additions (regardless of viability) had the lowest number of GPC and the highest number of lactobacilli and lactate-utilizers (P < 0.05). There were no additive effects when lactobacilli were mixed. Exogenous lactobacilli decreased the initial (first 8 h) rate of starch catalysis when wheat was the substrate, but did not decrease total (24 h) starch utilization in any case. These results indicate that exogenous lactobacilli can impact the microbial community and pH of cereal grain fermentations by equine fecal microflora ex vivo. Additionally, dead (autoclaved) exogenous lactobacilli had similar effects as live lactobacilli on fermentation. This latter result indicates that the mechanism by which lactobacilli impact other amylolytic bacteria is not simple resource competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone produced by red clover (Trifloium pratense L.) that can inhibit hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) to reduce deamination in the rumen and increase the feed amino acids available for gastric digestion. An ex vivo experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dried distiller’s grains (DDG) and BCA (30 μg mL−1) on HAB in bovine rumen fluid. Following a 24-h incubation, HAB and ammonia concentrations in the media increased with addition of DDG. However, DDG fermentations with BCA had 100-fold fewer HAB and 37% less ammonia than DDG-only fermentations. A grazing experiment was conducted with crossbred steers grazing a mixture of predominately endophyte-free tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh], Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratense L.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in the early and late growing season. Average daily gains (ADG) were compared among treatments of pasture-only control, daily feeding of 1.4 kg DDG steer−1, and daily feeding of 1.4 kg DDG plus BCA (6.3 g steer−1, representing ∼30% red clover diet). Averaged over the early and late growing seasons, feeding DDG (0.83 ± 0.05 kg d−1) increased ADG by 15% over the pasture-only treatment (0.72 ± 0.03 kg d−1), but addition of BCA to the DDG (0.93 ± 0.04 kg d−1) provided an additive increase in ADG of 29% over the control treatment. Results of the ex vivo and grazing experiments provide evidence that BCA inhibits HAB in the rumen and that the reduced deamination in the rumen can enhance weight gain performance of steers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot alkaloids in endophyte-infected grasses inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion and may reduce milk production of cows consuming these grasses. We investigated the effects of consuming endophyte-infected fescue seed during late lactation and the dry period on mammary growth, differentiation, and milk production. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups. Starting at 90 ± 4 d prepartum, cows were fed endophyte-free fescue seed (control; CON), endophyte-free fescue seed plus 3×/wk subcutaneous injections of bromocriptine (0.1 mg/kg of body weight, positive control; BROMO), or endophyteinfected fescue seed (INF) as 10% of the diet on an as fed basis. Although milk yield of groups did not differ before treatment, at dry off (-60 d prepartum) INF and BROMO cows produced less milk than CON. Throughout the treatment period, basal concentrations of PRL and the prepartum increase in plasma PRL were reduced in INF and BROMO cows compared with CON cows. Three weeks after the end of treatment, circulating concentrations of PRL were equivalent across groups. In the subsequent lactation milk yield was not decreased; in fact, BROMO cows exhibited a 9% increase in milk yield relative to CON. Evaluation of mammary tissue during the dry period and the subsequent lactation, by quantitative histology and immunohistochemical analysis of proliferation markers and putative mammary stem or progenitor cell markers, indicated that feeding endophyte-infected fescue seed did not significantly affect mammary growth and development. Feeding endophyte-infected grasses during the dry period may permit effective utilization of feed resources without compromising milk production in the next lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: When endophyte-infected tall fescue is consumed by grazing livestock it can cause persistent vasoconstriction resulting in fescue toxicosis. Legumes are commonly utilized in livestock production to improve diet quality. Legumes also contain vasodilatory isoflavones that have been shown to alleviate fescue toxicosis in goats and grazing cattle. Different legumes contain varying levels and types of isoflavones. A pen study was conducted to determine if isoflavone supplementation via red clover, white clover, or soybean meal can mitigate vasoconstriction associated with fescue toxicosis in goats. Rumen fistulated Wether goats were assigned to each legume treatment at equal levels of supplementation by weight. Goats were subjected to a fescue toxicosis challenge with toxic tall fescue seed, and the carotid artery area was monitored using Doppler ultrasonography. All isoflavone treatments were able to partially mitigate vasoconstriction. Red clover, with the greatest concentration of isoflavones, was the most effective. These results demonstrate that red clover, white clover, and soybean meal supplementation can be used to reverse the vasoconstriction associated with fescue toxicosis in goats despite differences in isoflavone concentration and composition. The impact of this research is a legume-derived phytochemical that can be applied in ruminants consuming toxic tall fescue to reverse fescue toxicosis and improve animal health and productivity. Ergot alkaloids produced by a fungal endophyte that infects tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum; (E+ TF) can induce constriction of the vasculature in ruminants, resulting in "fescue toxicosis". Legumes contain isoflavones that have been demonstrated to prevent and reverse E+ TF vasoconstriction. Several legumes are conventionally utilized in ruminant production, but can vary in both isoflavone concentration and composition. A feeding study was conducted to determine if isoflavone supplementation via red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), or soybean (Glycine max) meal can alleviate vasoconstriction when weather goats were challenged with E+ TF seed. The basal diet was chopped grass hay ad libitum. Carotid luminal areas were obtained pre- and post-ruminal infusions of E+ TF seed (15 µg kg BW−1 ergovaline + ergovalanine ± red clover, white clover, or soybean meal at 2.61 mg kg BW−1). When goats were challenged with E+ TF seed, the mean carotid luminal areas decreased by 56.1% (p < 0.01). All treatments were able to partially mitigate vasoconstriction, with red clover being the most effective (+39.8%), and white clover and soybean meal eliciting an intermediate response (+30%, p < 0.01). Results indicate that legumes can relax vasoconstriction in goats consuming ergot alkaloids, despite differences in isoflavone profile and concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Integration of behavioral observations with traditional selection schemes may lead to enhanced animal well-being and more profitable forage-based cattle production systems. Brahman-influenced (BR; n = 64) and Gelbvieh × Angus (GA; n = 64) heifers consumed either toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) or one of two nontoxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (NT) cultivars during two yr. Heifers were weighed at midpoint and termination of grazing. Grazing behavior (grazing, resting in the shade, lying, or standing without grazing) was recorded (n = 13 visual observations per yr in June and July) for each pasture. During yr 2, exit velocity (EV) and serum prolactin (PRL) were determined. Results: Grazing behavior was influenced (P < 0.05) by an interaction between fescue cultivar and breed type. Gelbvieh × Angus heifers assigned to E+ pastures had the lowest percentage of animals grazing and the largest percentage of animals resting in the shade. Brahman-influenced heifers had faster EV (P < 0.001) than GA heifers (0.52 vs. 0.74 ± 0.04 s/m, respectively). Body weight (BW) was affected (P < 0.01) by an interaction of tall fescue cultivar and d, and an interaction of tall fescue cultivar and breed type. Heifers grazing NT pastures were heavier (P < 0.01) than heifers grazing E+ pastures at midpoint and termination. Gelbvieh × Angus heifers grazing NT pastures were heavier (P < 0.01) than GA and BR heifers grazing E+ and BR heifers grazing NT pastures. An interaction of forage cultivar and breed type occurred on serum PRL (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Collectively fescue cultivar, EV, and concentrations of serum PRL were associated with grazing behavior. Heifers grazing NT pastures were observed to be grazing more than heifers assigned to E+ pastures, regardless of breed type, which may have contributed to changes in BW and average daily gain (ADG) in heifers. Integration of behavioral observations along with traditional selection schemes may lead to enhanced animal well-being and more profitable forage-based cattle production systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study was conducted to examine how ergovaline/ergovalinine ingestion during pregnancy in ewes with different DRD2 genotypes altered ewe and lamb performance. Feeding ergovaline/ergovalinine in last trimester reduced lamb birth weight; however, milk production was lower for all ewes fed ergovaline/ergovalinine. Lambs born to dams fed ergovaline/ergovalinine had slower growth rates and lower weaning weights. These results demonstrate that ingestion of ergot alkaloids during pregnancy can negatively influence lactation, growth of offspring and birth and weaning weights. Recommendations would include strategies to mitigate mycotoxin exposure in pregnant ewes to improve production. Endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) produces ergovaline and ergovalinine, which are mycotoxins that act as dopamine agonists to suppress prolactin and induce vasoconstriction. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial with DRD2 genotype (AA, AG, GG), fescue seed (endophyte-free, E− or endophyte-infected, E+), stage of gestation (MID, d (day) 35–85; LATE, d 86–parturition) and all interactions in the model. Pregnant Suffolk ewes (n = 60) were stratified by genotype and fed E+ or E− seed in a total mixed ration according to treatment assignment. Serum prolactin concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ seed but did not differ by maternal DRD2 genotype or two-way interaction. Lamb birth weight was lower (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ seed in last trimester. Pre-weaning growth rate, milk production and total weaning weight was reduced (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ fescue seed during MID and LATE gestation. Ingestion of ergovaline/ergovalinine in last trimester reduces lamb birth weight; however, lamb growth rate, milk production and total weaning weight are reduced in all ewes fed E+ during mid and last trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]