Effects of feeding endophyte-infected () KY-31 fescue hay on the reproductive development of Holstein bulls

Evans, Kathleen; Zavos, Panayiotis M.; Hemken, R.W.; Jackson, James

doi:10.1016/0093-691x(88)90274-9

Cited by 14 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Several sperm characteristics as measured by IVOS were affected by fescue type in the current experiment. These results are in contrast to several studies that report no differences in sperm motility and morphology in bulls consuming toxic EI fescue diets or nontoxic diets (Evans et al, 1988;Schuenemann et al, 2005a,b). Laboratory methodologies of sperm analyses may explain difference among studies.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…Similar to cortisol, concentrations of testosterone were similar between toxic EI and NE bulls. These results are in agreement with several reports indicating toxic EI fescue does not impair circulating concentrations of testosterone (Evans et al, 1988;Schuenemann et al, 2005a,b). Lunstra et al (1978) reported a positive correlation between SC and concentrations of testosterone.…”

supporting

confidence: 94%

“…Final SC as well as SC change during the current experiment was not influenced by fescue type. Development of Holstein bulls on toxic fescue hay from 2 to 13 mo of age did not impact SC (Evans et al, 1988). Scrotal circumference of bulls was not affected by administration of ergotamine tartrate (Schuenemann et al, 2005b) or grazing of toxic EI fescue pastures (Schuenemann et al, 2005a).…”

mentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Concentrations of prolactin are generally reduced in ruminants consuming toxic fescue (Schillo et al, 1988), and changes in cortisol depend on the duration of exposure to toxic tall fescue (Aldrich et al, 1993;Browning et al, 1998b;Looper et al, 2007). However, concentrations of testosterone were not altered between bulls consuming toxic fescue diets compared with bulls consuming nontoxic diets (Evans et al, 1988;Schuenemann et al, 2005a,b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Influence of toxic endophyte-infected fescue on sperm characteristics and endocrine factors of yearling Brahman-influenced bulls1,2

Looper

Rorie

Person

et al. 2009

Journal of Animal Science

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Sixteen (mean age = 1.1 +/- 0.1 yr; mean BW = 478 +/- 34 kg) Brahman-influenced bulls were used to determine the influence of fescue type on sperm characteristics and serum concentrations of prolactin, cortisol, and testosterone. Bulls were blocked by BW, scrotal circumference (SC), and pregrazing sperm characteristics and randomly assigned to graze toxic endophyte-infected (EI; 4 bulls/pasture; 2 pastures) or novel endophyte-infected (NE; 4 bulls/pasture; 2 pastures) tall fescue for 121 d. Semen was collected by electroejaculation, and SC was measured and blood samples collected monthly. Sperm were evaluated for motility and morphology with an integrated visual optical system. Overall mean concentration of prolactin was decreased more (P < 0.01) in EI bulls than NE bulls from May to August. Scrotal circumference was not affected by fescue type (P = 0.58); overall SC averaged 36.7 +/- 2.3 cm. Percentage of live sperm was not different (P = 0.24) between NE bulls (80%) than EI bulls (67%) in July and August. Bulls grazing NE fescue had more (P < 0.06) motile sperm than EI bulls in July and August. Percentages of progressive (57 vs. 38%, NE and EI, respectively; P < 0.06) and rapid (67 vs. 46%, NE and EI, respectively; P = 0.04) sperm were greater from bulls grazing NE than EI bulls in July and August. Average velocity of the smoothed sperm path and progressive velocity in a straight line from the beginning to the end of the sperm track were slower (P < 0.09) in EI bulls than NE bulls and were slower (P = 0.04) in August compared with July. Mean width of head oscillation as the sperm swims was less (P < 0.06) in August than July. Concentrations of cortisol and testosterone were not (P > 0.10) influenced by fescue type. Semen from bulls grazing EI had reduced motility and morphology than bulls grazing NE. Detrimental effects of toxic fescue may not be mediated by cortisol, testosterone, or both. Semen quality of bulls grazing toxic EI tall fescue was decreased with increased maximum ambient temperatures.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

supporting

confidence: 94%

mentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Influence of toxic endophyte-infected fescue on sperm characteristics and endocrine factors of yearling Brahman-influenced bulls1,2

Looper

Rorie

Person

et al. 2009

Journal of Animal Science

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“…Bromocryptine decreased PRL and delayed testicular growth in rams (Barenton and Pelletier, 1980). In Holstein bulls beginning at age 2 mo and ending at age 13 mo, Evans et al (1988) observed no effects as a result of the endophyte on testicular weight and dimensions, epididymal weight and length, or seminal vesicle weight. However, Alamer and Erickson (19901 reported that the endophyte reduced gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated testosterone secretion and also testicular Sertoli cells in 3-mo-old beef bulls.…”

Section: Fertilitymentioning

confidence: 73%

Effects of fescue toxicosis on reproduction in livestock

Porter¹,

Thompson

1992

Journal of Animal Science

210

111

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Fescue toxicosis in livestock is due to ingestion of endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum) -infected tall fescue. Understanding mechanisms responsible for decreased calving and growth rates, delayed onset of puberty, and impaired function of corpora lutea in heifers at puberty consuming endophyte-infected fescue is an emerging field in reproductive toxicology. The condition decreases overall productivity through a reduction in reproductive efficiency, reduced weight gains, and lowered milk production. Reproduction in cattle may be further compromised by winter coat retention, increased susceptibility to high environmental temperatures, and light intolerance. Endocrine effects in steers associated with infected tall fescue include reduced prolactin and melatonin secretions and altered neurotransmitter metabolism in the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and pineal glands. Ewes have decreased prolactin and lengthened intervals from introduction of the ram until conception. The endophyte induces prolonged gestation, thickened placentas, large, weak foals, dystocia, and agalactia in pregnant mares. Ergot peptide alkaloids, produced by the endophyte, are suggested as the primary cause of fescue toxicosis. These compounds reduce prolactin, increase body temperatures, and have powerful vasoconstrictive effects. Neurohormonal imbalances of prolactin and melatonin, with restricted blood flow to internal organs, may be the principal causes of aberrant reproduction, growth, and maturation in livestock consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue.

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Fescue Toxicosis in Horses

Cross

1997

Neotyphodium/Grass Interactions

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Effects of feeding endophyte-infected () KY-31 fescue hay on the reproductive development of Holstein bulls

Cited by 14 publications

References 12 publications

Influence of toxic endophyte-infected fescue on sperm characteristics and endocrine factors of yearling Brahman-influenced bulls1,2

Influence of toxic endophyte-infected fescue on sperm characteristics and endocrine factors of yearling Brahman-influenced bulls1,2

Effects of fescue toxicosis on reproduction in livestock

Fescue Toxicosis in Horses

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