Acremonium Coenophialum Research Articles

The effect of feeding tall fescue seed infected by Acremonium coenophialum on pregnancy and parturition in female rats

1. Female Sprague-Dawley rats ( Rattus norvegicus) were randomly assigned to various dietary treatments containing: (1) 100% Purina rodent chow, ad libitum; (2) same as 1, but restricted to daily intake of 7; (3) 50% rodent chow (w/w) and 50% endophyte-free tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea) seed; (4) same as 3, but restricted to intake of 5; (5) 50% rodent chow, 25% endophyte-free tall fescue seed and 25% endophyte-infected ( Acremonium coenophialum) tall fescue seed; (6) 50% rodent chow, 12.5% endophyte-free and 37.5% endophyte-infected tall fescue seed; and (7) 50% rodent chow and 50% endophyte infected tall fescue seed. 2. Average daily feed intakes and average daily weight gains decreased with higher levels of endophyte infected seed. 3. Frequency of litter production was affected by all endophyte-infected containing diets. 4. Conception was reduced only in dietary treatment (7). 5. Litter weights, number of pups per litter and weight per pup were proportionally reduced as higher levels of infected seed were incorporated in the ingested diets.

Reproductive responses in male rats fed extracts of fescue seed infected by the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum.

This study was undertaken to determine whether a methanol extract of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed contained the factor(s) that were responsible for the decrease in male reproductive potential when rats were fed toxic tall fescue seed. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats (ca. 225 g.) were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments containing 50% (w/w) rodent chow and 50%: (1) noninfected tall fescue seed; (2) noninfected tall fescue seed treated with concentrated methanol effluent from serial methanol extraction of infected seed; and (3) the extracted seed residue of seed that was greater than 95% infected by Acremonium coenophialum. Parameters assessed were testicular weight, epidydimal weight, parenchymal weight, progressive sperm motility, sperm motility, sperm count and daily sperm production potential. Significant reduction (P less than 0.05) for feed intake, average daily gain, testicular weight, epidydimal weight and daily sperm production potential were observed for treatment 2. These data suggest that the serial methanol extract contains the factor(s) responsible for the lowered reproductive potential in male rats. The extract contained 15,578 micrograms/ml of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and only trace amounts of ergopeptides. These results suggest that N-formyl and N-acetyl loline may play an important role in the fescue toxicity noted in the exposed rats.

Effect of feeding tall fescue seed infected with endophytic fungus (Acremonium coenophialium) on the estrous cycle in CD-1 mice.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue (G1-307) seed (80% infected, by Acremonium coenophialum) on the estrous cycle in CD-1 mice. Twelve 60-day-old CD-1 female mice were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments containing 50% laboratory chow and (1) 50% endophyte-free (noninfected) fescue seed; (2) 50% endophyte-infected fescue seed. All mice were fed ad libitum. On day 35 of the study all mice were allowed access to a diet containing 100% laboratory chow for 7 days. Vaginal smears of each female were prepared daily throughout the 42 day trial period. All vaginal smears were stained and evaluated to determine phase of the estrous cycle. The days (+/- SE) to the first abnormal occurrence in the estrous cycle for treatments one and two were 27.0 +/- 5.6 and 16.7 +/- 5.2, respectively. The percent abnormal cycles of the total cycles observed between treatments one and two were 20.5 +/- 6.1 and 39.3 +/- 12.5, respectively. Mice on treatment two exhibited a greater frequency of abnormal sequences of the phases of the estrous cycle and greater cycle length (P less than 0.05). The results suggest that the infected fescue seed had a significant effect on the estrous cycle of the mouse (P less than 0.05).

Effects of endophyte-infected fescue on concentrations of prolactin in blood sera and the anterior pituitary and concentrations of dopamine and dopamine metabolites in brains of steers.

An experiment was conducted to determine if the decrease in circulating concentrations of prolactin in cattle consuming endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum) -infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) was associated with changes in prolactin concentrations in the anterior pituitary and concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the stalk median eminence (SME), preoptic area (POA) and hypothalamus (HP). Six crossbred steers that grazed high-endophyte (greater than 90% infected) fescue and four steers that grazed low-endophyte (less than 1% infected) fescue from April to September were slaughtered. Brains and pituitaries were removed and dissected. Extracts from neural tissue were analyzed for DA, DOPAC and HVA using high performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detection. Pituitary extracts and sera from blood samples taken 5 d prior to slaughter were subjected to prolactin radioimmunoassay. Consumption of high-endophyte fescue was associated with decreased concentrations of prolactin in serum (P less than .01) and in the anterior pituitary (P = .08), decreased (P less than .05) concentrations of DA in the SME and decreased (P less than .01) concentrations of HVA in the POA and HP, but it did not influence levels of DOPAC. These results suggest that endophyte toxins may reduce prolactin synthesis and release and may alter activity of dopaminergic neurons.

Fescue Endophyte: History and Impact on Animal Agriculture

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), a well adapted pasture grass in the eastern USA, has a reputation for poor animal performance. Discovery of an association between the fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams) and fescue toxicosis in the 1970's made it possible to achieve high levels of animal performance on low-endophyte tall fescue. Steer average daily gain (ADG) has been 30 to over 100% higher on low-endophyte than on high-endophyte tall fescue pasture. It appears that for each 10% increase in endophyte level there is about 0.1 lb depression in ADG over an entire grazing season. Adverse effects of the endophyte have also been demonstrated in hay and seed. It has been shown to reduce milk production, and there are indications that it adversely affects reproduction. Intake is reduced on endophyte infected fall fescue. Although data are very limited, there are indications that sheep gains are reduced and that horses are afflicted by poor reproduction and agalactia. Much remains to be known about the mechanism of fescue toxicosis, but it is evident that with low- or endophyte-free tall fescue excellent animal performance can be achieved.

Lactation in mice fed endophyte-infected tall fescue seed

This study was conducted to assess the effects of endophyte-infected Acremonium coenophialum tall fescue (KY-31) seed (80% infected) on lactation in CD-1 dams and suckling performance of pups as measured by pup survival and growth rates. Twenty-four pairs of mature CD-1 mice were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: 1) 100% mouse chow ad libitum; 2) 40% endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and 60% mouse chow (w/w); 3) reduced intake (100% chow), adjusted daily to the intake level of Treatment 2; and 4) 60% infected tall fescue seed and 40% chow. The mice were preconditioned on their respective diets for 100 d prior to 96 h of cohabitation between pairs of males and females. At parturition the litters were removed, and each dam was given a litter of six pups of equal weight, size and sex ratio to suckle for 15 days. All pups given to all the dams were born to other mice that were not part of the study and had not been exposed to endophyte-containing diets. Dams and litter weights were measured daily for 15 consecutive days. The combined body weight measurements of litters from dams fed the tall fescue containing diets (Treatments 2 and 4) were significantly lower (2.07 ± 0.41 g/d) than that of litters from dams fed the chow containing diets (Treatments 1 and 3) during the suckling trial (P<0.05). Similarly, nine of ten (90%) dams fed the chow containing diets maintained five or more pups (5.5 ± 0.2) throughout the study as compared to five of nine (55.6%) dams fed the tall fescue containing diets that maintained less than five pups (4.5 ± 0.2).

Ultrastructure of Acremonium coenophialum, Acremonium lolii, and Epichloe typhina endophytes in host and nonhost Festuca and Lolium species of grasses

Ultrastructural studies were made of Acremonium fungal endophytes of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass and two isolates of Epichloe typhina. Hyphae of these fungi were observed in leaf sheaths of their natural host plant grown from infected seed and in artificially inoculated nonhost Festuca and Lolium species of grasses. Hyphae were also studied from fungal colonies grown on cellophane on potato dextrose agar. Crystalline inclusions were found in all endophyte–host combinations with the exceptions of E. typhina from perennial ryegrass in its own host and in a nonhost tall fescue, and Acremonium coenophialum in a nonhost perennial ryegrass. Tubular complexes were seen only in Acremonium lolii when growing in both host and in a non-host tall fescue. Three structures not seen before in endophytes (bundles of microtubules, 55 to 60 nm diameter "tubes," and bilayered cell walls) were found in E. typhina growing only in perennial ryegrass, its natural host. None of the distinguishing ultrastructural components described were found in hyphae grown in culture. Our observations suggest that endophytes express specific ultrastructural features only when they are grown in the grasses. However, it was not readily discernible what function the components serve and what role, if any, the natural versus the nonhost grass plays in the expression of endophyte ultrastructure.

Quantification of Acremonium coenophialum in Tall Fescue Seed Using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy1

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used to evaluate major feed quality components of forage. Our objective was to determine whether NIRS could measure a minor quality component, the endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan‐Jones and Gams) in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seed. Two‐hundred seed lots were assayed for endophyte content using two procedures: the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an aniline blue mycelium stain. From the 200 seed lots, 74 were selected to obtain an even distribution of sample numbers over a range of endophyte infection from zero to high. Calibration equations for predicting endophyte content were obtained by multiple linear regression of NIRS spectral data and laboratory values for each procedure from 56 of the 74 seed lots. Calibration equations were verified on the remaining 18 seed lots. Five wavelengths were necessary to obtain the best equations for endophyte concentrations for each laboratory assay. The squared correlation coefficients (R2) for the calibration equations were low for both assays (R2 = 0.53 and 0.74). Correlation coefficients for verification data were also low (r2 = 0.31 and 0.54). Adding the 18 verification samples to the calibration set increased r2 for the mycelium stain assay but decreased R2 for ELISA. We conclude that laboratory methods used to assay the endophyte in tall fescue seed do not have the precision and accuracy necessary to calibrate NIRS instrumentation for routine analysis.

Dopaminergic-like activity in toxic fescue alters prolactin but not growth hormone or thyroid stimulating hormone in ewes

Studies were conducted to determine the specificity and cause of altered pituitary hormone secretion when ewes ingest endophyte-infected ( Acremonium coenophialum) GI-307 tall fescue (toxic fescue). Plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL) but not growth hormone (GH) or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in ewes grazing toxic fescue were significantly lower (P < .01) than concentrations measured in ewes grazing orchardgrass (OG). Comparing hormone secretory responses of ewes grazing each grasstype, ewes on toxic fescue released less PRL following thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) challenge than ewes on OG. TSH responses to TRH were not affected by grasstype. At this dose of TRH, GH secretion was not significantly affected in either group of ewes. In a separate study, dopamine hydrochloride (DA) was infused into control ewes to define the effect of a pure dopamine agonist on basal and TRH-stimulated secretion of PRL, GH and TSH. DA depressed both basal and TRH-stimulated secretion of PRL without affecting the basal concentrations or responses of GH or TSH. Based on the assumption that the active agent in toxic fescue responsible for the observed hypoprolactinemia was a dopaminergic agonist, haloperidol (HAL), a DA receptor blocking drug, was administered to ewes grazing toxic fescue or OG. HAL evoked significant PRL secretion unaccompanied by any GH or TSH effect in both toxic fescue and OG ewes. Administration of HAL resulted in a gradual increase over 4 hr in PRL in toxic fescue ewes and prolonged the duration of the PRL response to TRH. No differences in circulating plasma concentrations of DA, epinephrine or norepinephrine were measured in ewes on troxic fescue or OG. Alterations in pituitary hormone secretion due to toxic factors in fescue were confined to PRL. Hormone secretory responses to TRH and HAL suggest that the effects on PRL are mediated through dopamine-like activity in toxic fescue.

Effect of feeding fungal endophyte ( [formula omitted][formula omitted])-infected tall fescue seed on reproductive performance in CD-1 mice through continuous breeding

This study was designed to assess the effect of endophyte-infected ( Acremonium coenophialum ) tall fescue (KY-31) seed (80% infected) on reproductive performance in CD-1 mice by continuous breeding. Twenty-four pairs of 70-d-old CD-1 mice were randomly allocated to four diets: 1) mouse chow ad libitum; 2) 40% infected fescue seed and 60% chow (w/w); 3) reduced intake (100% chow) similar to the intake, adjusted daily, in Diet 2; and 4) 60% infected fescue seed and 40% chow. Males and females were randomly paired (six pairs/treatment) and placed on the above diets. The mice were fed the corresponding diets for 80 d, although the pairs were separated on Day 60 (prior to the birth of the 3rd litter) and the females were monitored for one additional gestation period (20 d). The pregnancy data (litters produced) among the four treatments were 100.0 (18), 77.8 (14), 100.0 (18) and 80.0% (12) respectively. Similarly, the average number of pups born per litter among the four treatments was 11.8, 9.3, 10.1, and 9.8. When the chow treatment (1 and 3) and the fescue treatments (2 and 4) were pooled and compared, the percent pregnancy was 100.0 (n = 36) and 78.8 (n = 26), and the pups born per litter (means ± SEM) were 11.0 ± 0.5 and 9.5 ± 0.6, respectively. Also the intervals between the three litters born during the 60-d cohabitation period were 21.6 ± 1.1 and 24.5 ± 0.9 d for the chow and fescue treatments, respectively. The results point out that 40 and 60% infected fescue seed in the diet of mice does influence (P < 0.05) their reproductive capacity as measured by percent pregnancy and litter size.

Fungal Endophyte Infection‐Loline Derivative Alkaloid Concentration of Grazed Tall Fescue1

AbstractImpaired animal performance on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea, Schreb.) pasture has been associated with the presence of a fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum). A number of alkaloids, including the loline derivatives N‐formyl and N‐acetyl loline, occur in endophyte infected tall fescue. A study was conducted at Watkinsville, GA, on a Cecil sandy loam (Typic hapludult) to examine the influence of N fertilization and season on endophyte infection frequency (EIF) and loline derivative alkaloid concentration (LDA) of grazed low and high endophyte tall fescue. Paddocks (0.7 ha) established with low and high endophyte status ‘Ky‐31’ tall fescue seed were fertilized with 134 and 336 kg N ha−1 (22 factorial) and replicated three times. Endophyte infection frequency was greater in high than low fungus paddocks during the 3‐yr study. Endophyte infection frequency means within a given paddock, i.e., high or low fungus, remained relatively constant in 1983 and 1984 but increased by 50% in high and 100% in low fungus paddocks in 1985. Endophyte infection frequency was not affected by N nor did infection frequency vary significantly within a growing season. Loline derivative alkaloid concentration and EIF were significantly correlated (positive) in each growing season. High fungus paddocks had significantly greater (100%) LDA than low fungus paddocks. The ratio of LDA to EIF was greater under high N and high fungus conditions in the fall of 1983 and in 1984. Periods of LDA production may be more closely associated with short‐term weather conditions than absolute EIF. The relationship between LDA and EIF may not be simply defined in continuously grazed tall fescue, especially under moderate EIF.

Effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seed on the reproductive performance in male and female CD-1 mice by combination crosses

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of endophyte-infected Acremonium coenophialum tall fescue (KY 31) seed (80% infected) on the reproductive performance of male and female CD-1 mice by combination crosses. Forty-eight male and 48 female 30-d-old mice were randomly allocated to two diet treatments. Twenty-four males and 24 females were fed Diet 1, consisting of 50% non-infected fescue and 50% mouse chow; the remaining animals were fed Diet 2, containing 50% infected fescue. At the end of 50 d, the animals were paired in groups (n = 12) as follows: 1) Diet 1 males and females; 2) Diet 2 males and Diet 1 females; 3) Diet 1 males and Diet 2 females; and 4) Diet 2 males and females. The pairs were maintained on the diets of their female partners and were allowed to cohabitate for 96 h. After this period the males were removed and the females were carried to term. Pregnancy rates among the four treatment groups were 100, 83.3, 75.0 and 54.5%, respectively. Similarly, the average number of pups born per litter among the four groups were 11.5, 8.0, 9.7, and 7.5, respectively. Also, the weights (grams) of pups born per litter were 17.5, 12.6, 12.4, and 9.8, respectively. The results point out that the reproductive capacity of both male and female mice are affected (P < 0.05) by the ingestion of endophyte-infected fescue seeds. Such negative effects were more severe in the female than the male (P < 0.05).

Physiological Responses in Rats Fed Extracts of Endophyte Infected Tall Fescue Seed

Three trials involving 184 male Sprague Dawley rats were conducted to identify the biologically active fraction of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed. In trial 1, seed infected (greater than 95%) with the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum and shown to be toxic to cattle, was serially extracted with hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol, respectively. A second sample of this seed was extracted with chloroform only. Controls included a solvent treatment (spraying the various solvents on endophyte-free seed and carrying the mixture to dryness), the seed post-extraction, endophyte-infected seed and endo-phyte-free seed. Laboratory chow was mixed with all diets to provide 50% of the mix. Trial 2 examined the same treatments as trial 1 except that the chloroform treatment was omitted. Dosages 3 times (equivalent to 22.5 g seed) those used in trial 1 were applied to endophyte-free seed (7.5 g) in an attempt to accentuate any differences. Trial 3 examined the methanol fraction extracted serially, a methanol fraction extracted batchwise, and a water fraction extracted batchwise. Controls included seed residues post-extraction, solvent residue from methanol sprayed on endophyte-free seed, and endophyte-infected seed. Lowered feed intake and weight gains, and depressed serum prolactin concentrations were used as indicators of toxicity. Feed intake was lower in all three trials for rats fed the methanol fraction. In all three trials mean serum prolactin concentrations in rats fed the methanol extracts were not different from those fed endophyte-infected fescue seed. Rats fed the water extract in trial 3 had lower feed intakes than rats fed endophyte-free seed. However, rats fed the seed, post-water extraction, had serum prolactin concentrations similar to that of the negative control. Results suggest that the toxic factor(s) may be concentrated in the methanol extract.

The effect of feeding endophyte infected tall fescue seed on reproductive performance in female rats

1. Female Sprague-Dawley rats ( Rattus norvegicus) were randomly assigned to diets containing mixtures of rat chow and tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea) seed with 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40% infection levels of Acremonium coenophialum to assess the effect of the diets on the reproductive potential of rats. 2. Rats fed 40% infected seed had decreased body weight, decreased mean percent body weight of uteri, failed to maintain normal estrous cycles and were unable to become pregnant. 3. Animals fed a diet of 20% infected fescue seed had extended estrous cycles. 4. There were no significant differences among the 0, 5 and 10% dietary treatments.

In Vitro Growth of Acremonium coenophialum , an Endophyte of Toxic Tall Fescue Grass

Acremonium coenophialum, an endophytic fungus present in toxic tall fescue grass and seed, grew very slowly or not at all with conventional media and cultural practices. However, a considerable increase in growth was achieved in a relatively dilute medium consisting solely of glucose and yeast extract. The optimal levels of glucose and yeast extract were 3 to 6% and 0.35% (wt/vol), respectively. The addition of salts which lowered the pH suppressed growth. Even when the pH was controlled, the addition of KH(2)PO(4) at a level of 3.2% or more greatly inhibited growth. A. coenophialum grew better in shake culture than in stationary culture. The optimal temperature was 23 degrees C, and the optimal pH was 6.5.

Nutritional Requirements for Growth of a Fungus Endophyte of Tall Fescue Grass

The nutritional requirements of Acremonium coenophialum, a fungus endophyte of tall fescue, were examined in a semi-defined liquid medium. The fungus utilized several carbon sources including fructose, glucose, mannose, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, sorbitol and mannitol. Trehalose and mannitol were excellent carbon sources. Nitrogen sources utilized by the endophyte included ammonium, arginine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine, proline and serine. Undefined complex nitrogen sources such as yeast extract, soytone and tryptone supported excellent growth. In a defined medium the fungus exhibited a requirement for thiamine.

The Effect of the Fungal Endophyte Acremonium Coenophialum in Tall Fescue on Animal Performance, Toxicity, and Stand Maintenance1

AbstractWeight gains have been inconsistent and numerous health problems have been associated with animals grazing tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). This study was undertaken to determine the effect of the fungal endophyte, Acremonium coenophialum Morgan‐Jones and Gams [syn. Epichloe typhina (Fries) Tulasne], on weight gains and symptoms of tall fescue toxicity of cattle. Grazing studies were started in the spring of 1982 and continued through the 1982–1983 and 1983–1984 grazing periods, on ‘Kenhy’ tall fescue having high and low levels of endophyte infection, at Dallas, TX, on Houston black clay soil (fine, montmorillonic, thermic Udic Pellusterts). Average daily gains were 0.46 kg and 0.97 kg for the high‐ and low‐infested pastures, respectively. Animals on the high‐infested pastures had elevated temperatures and rougher hair coats than those grazing the low‐infested pastures. During the 1983–1984 grazing period, 5 of the 6 tester animals grazing on the high‐infested pastures, had symptoms of ‘fescue foot’, whereas, none of the animals on the low‐infested grass exhibited any symptoms. Forage production was low and there was a loss of stand in the pastures with low levels of the endophyte. This study supports previous research findings on the effect of the endophyte in tall fescue on animal weight gains, summer syndrome, and drought resistance. An association of this endophyte with fescue foot was observed.

Nutritional Requirements for Growth of a Fungus Endophyte of Tall Fescue Grass

The nutritional requirements of Acremonium coenophialum, a fungus endophyte oftall fescue, were examined in a semi-defined liquid medium. The fungus utilized several carbon sources including fructose, glucose, mannose, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, sorbitol and mannitol. Trehalose and mannitol were excellent carbon sources. Nitrogen sources utilized by the endophyte included ammonium, arginine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine, proline and serine. Undefined complex nitrogen sources such as yeast extract, soytone and tryptone supported excellent growth. In a defined medium the fungus exhibited a requirement for thiamine.

Steer performance as affected by tall fescue cultivar and level ofAcremonium coenophialuminfection

Abstract This study compared beef steer performance on pastures of ‘AU Triumph’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) which were free of the fungal endophyte Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams (previously identified and referred to as Epichloe typhina (Fries) Tulasne) with that on ‘Kentucky 31’ fescue having three levels of endophyte infection. Replicated 1.2 ha paddocks were located in west central Alabama. They were fertilised annually with 224 kg N ha-1 and grazed with yearling steers. The grazing season during the 3-year period averaged from 30 September to 26 December and from 24 February to 27 May. Endophyte infection levels were 0% on AU Triumph and 1, 34, and 90% on Kentucky 31. In general, stocking rate increased with higher fungus infection levels. Average daily gain (ADG) of the steers was shown to decline in a linear fashion with increasing A. coenophialum infection. Steer gain per ha did not react consistently among years. The greatest differences for gain per ha occurred durin...

Comparison of Low Alkaloid Tall Fescues and Orchardgrass for Lactating Jersey Cows

Johnstone (prevarietal release) and Kenhy, new varieties of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb), were compared with Boone orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) in 2 yr. Cultivars were maintained in a vegetative stage by removal of excess growth. Johnstone seed and the resulting cultivar were 6.7% infected with endophyte fungus (Acremonium coenophialum). Forage from each cultivar was chopped daily and fed individually to five lactating Jersey cows for 12 wk in 1983 and to eight cows for 9 wk in 1984. Cows were fed 6.8 and 4.5kg daily of a 16% crude protein concentrate in 1983 and in 1984, respectively. No evidence of fescue toxicosis was observed in 1983, but a trend toward depressed prolactin occurred in 1984 for Johnstone tall fescue. Daily dry matter intake, intake as percent body weight, and daily milk production were significantly higher on orchardgrass than on tall fescues. Intake as percent body weight, daily milk, milk protein, and fat-corrected milk were significantly higher on Johnstone than on Kenhy tall fescue. Although the experimental design did not allow direct comparison, performance appeared to be as good on Johnstone fescue as on orchardgrass. The inferior animal performance on fescue compared with orchardgrass seems to be due entirely to Kenhy.