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EFFICACY OF ENDO-FIGHTER FOR REDUCING SEVERITY OF TALL FESCUE IN BEEF CATTLE

Applied Research

Rebekah Norman
Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent III
University of Tennessee Extension
Murfreesboro

Abstract

A field trial and 2 grazing experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of Endo-Fighter, an ADM Alliance Nutrition product designed for cattle grazing wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). A 126-d field trial with beef steers had 2 treatments; a control (MasterGain mineral), and Endo-Fighter (MasterGain mineral with Endo-Fighter). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in BW gain between treatments. Two 84-d grazing experiments were conducted, in yr 1 with crossbred heifers, and in yr 2 with crossbred steers. Cattle were allotted to fifteen ‘Jesup’ wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures with 4 animals/1.2-ha paddock with 5 replications/treatment. Mineral treatments were as follows: 1) MasterGain (control); 2) Endo-Fighter; and 3) a prototype. Mineral consumption and grazing behavior were determined at 14-d intervals. Animals were weighed to determine ADG. Blood serum prolactin was measured at each weighing day. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Animal performance and prolactin concentration were not affected (P > 0.05) by feeding Endo-Fighter or the prototype in either grazing experiment. Consumption of Endo-Fighter altered animal grazing behavior, but did not affect the BW gain of cattle consuming wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: R. Norman, A.E. Fisher, C.D. Lane, S.S. Block, W.W. Gill, R.L. Mills, B.T. Campbell, F.N. Schrick, J.C. Waller
  1. Norman, R. Extension Agent II, University of Tennessee Extension, Rutherford County, Tennessee, 37129
  2. Fisher, A. Instructor, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
  3. Lane, C. Professor, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
  4. Block, S. Feed Research Scientist, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Illinois, 62521
  5. Gill, W. Professor, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
  6. Mills, R. Graduate Research Assistant, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
  7. Campbell, B. Graduate Research Assistant, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
  8. Schrick, F. Professor, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996
  9. Waller, J. Associate Professor, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, 37996