Abstract
Endophyte-infected fescue is a major cool season forage used for livestock production in the United States and through other areas of the world. A unique aspect of this forage resource is the symbiotic relationship with an endophytic fungus (Epichloë coenophiala) that has detrimental impact on herbivores due to toxic ergot alkaloids. Research over the past 50 years has unveiled details regarding this symbiotic relationship. This review focuses on the origin of tall fescue in the United States and the consequences of its wide-spread utilization as a livestock forage, along with the discovery and toxicodynamics of ergot alkaloids produced by E. coenophiala. The majority of past ergot alkaloid research has focused on observing phenotypic changes that occur in livestock affected by ergot alkaloids, but recent investigation of the metabolome, transcriptome, and proteome have shown that fescue toxicity-related illnesses are much more complex than previous research suggests.
Highlights
One of the most wide-spread and heavily utilized forages in the United States is the cool-season grass, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)
Once it was recognized that the disease was caused by ergot alkaloids, which are present in most tall fescue through its relationship with the endophytic fungus Epichloë coenophiala, research began to focus on how alkaloid consumption altered body homeostasis in order to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of fescue toxicosis [3]
There is still much to be discovered regarding the influence of endophytic alkaloids on essential metabolic pathways, such as protein expression, insulin signaling, and lipid metabolism, as their effects are virtually unknown at the present time
Summary
One of the most wide-spread and heavily utilized forages in the United States is the cool-season grass, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). The species appeared to be well-suited for livestock grazing because of its hardiness, nutritive qualities, and ease of cultivation, consumption of tall fescue quickly became associated with poor animal health and performance [2]. Once it was recognized that the disease was caused by ergot alkaloids, which are present in most tall fescue through its relationship with the endophytic fungus Epichloë coenophiala, research began to focus on how alkaloid consumption altered body homeostasis in order to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of fescue toxicosis [3]. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the agronomic properties of endophyte-infected fescue and its symbiotic relationship, with a particular focus on the absorption and metabolism of associated alkaloids, including their impact on cattle performance and health. The latest research showing the impact of fescue derived alkaloids on the metabolome, transcriptome, and proteome will be discussed
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