Fescue toxicosis and its influence on the rumen microbiome: mitigation of production losses through clover isoflavones

This review highlights concerns with endophyte-infected tall fescue as a primary forage base in the southeastern United States and discusses specific physiological and ruminal effects caused by consumption of ergot alkaloids. Additionally, in an effort to promote various mitigation strategies to abate production limitations caused by fescue toxicosis, this review discusses the use of cool-season legumes, specifically red clover, with the already established forage base. Clovers are often mixed into pastures and help improve animal performance. Clovers contain phytoestrogenic compounds known as isoflavones that may be beneficial in reducing physiological limitations with consumption of endophyte-infected tall fescue.