EFFICACY OF ENDO-FIGHTER FOR REDUCING SEVERITY OF TALL FESCUE IN BEEF CATTLE
Norman,* R.1; Block, S.S.2; Campbell, B.T.3; Fisher, A.E.4; Gill, W.W.5; Lane, C.D.6; Mills, R.L.7; Schrick, F.N.8; Waller, J.C.91Extension Agent II, University of Tennessee Extension, Rutherford County, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
2Feed Research Scientist, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, IL, 62521
3Graduate Research Assistant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
4Instructor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
5Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
6Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
7Graduate Research Assistant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
8Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
9Associate Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
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.