Publication Date
1997
Description
Two fields were established at Lusignan (France) with the same variety of tall fescue but differing in the rate of Acremonium coenophialum seed infestation : 0 % = E- ; 100 % = E+. Dairy heifers were fed ad libitum with E- or E+ hay and were given in addition 1.7 kg DM of concentrates. No effect was noticed on the intake (5.65 vs 5.63 kg DM) as well as on ADG (874 vs 838 g/d) regarding E- vs E+ hay resp. However, prolactin concentration was significantly halved when heifers were fed with the E+ hay. More temperate climatic conditions during the growing period of tall fescue and the feeding period as well as intensive management could have decreased the potential negative effect of endophyte on animal performances although changes in hormonal profiles in blood were noted.
Citation
Emile, J C.; Ravault, J P.; and Chabosseau, J M., "Effect of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Hay on Dairy Heifers Under European Intensive Management" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 34.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session11/34
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effect of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Hay on Dairy Heifers Under European Intensive Management
Two fields were established at Lusignan (France) with the same variety of tall fescue but differing in the rate of Acremonium coenophialum seed infestation : 0 % = E- ; 100 % = E+. Dairy heifers were fed ad libitum with E- or E+ hay and were given in addition 1.7 kg DM of concentrates. No effect was noticed on the intake (5.65 vs 5.63 kg DM) as well as on ADG (874 vs 838 g/d) regarding E- vs E+ hay resp. However, prolactin concentration was significantly halved when heifers were fed with the E+ hay. More temperate climatic conditions during the growing period of tall fescue and the feeding period as well as intensive management could have decreased the potential negative effect of endophyte on animal performances although changes in hormonal profiles in blood were noted.
