Prolactin assay for fescue toxicity in sheep

Authors: Waghorn GC, Latch GCM, Rolston MP
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 5, pp 195-197, Oct 1994
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Diagnostic procedures, Toxicology, Poisoning - plant, Fungal/yeast
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Fungal endophyte (Acremonium spp.) toxicity affects sheep and cattle grazing a number of forages, including ryegrasses (Lolium spp.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). The endophyte in tall fescue is responsible for ill thrift, as indicated by low weight gains or weight loss and decreased reproductive efficiency, and is associated with increased body temperatures. Extensive research has been undertaken in the USA to determine ways of reducing the impact of fescue toxicity on the beef industry, whilst New Zealand research is directed toward both ryegrass and fescue endophyte toxicity and its impact on sheep and cattle production. Much of this work involves field evaluations of productive performance in animals fed toxic and non-toxic forage, so that it is important to be sure that treatment effects are due to the endophyte…

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