Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-2pzkn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-04T05:41:00.570Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Tall Fescue Toxicosis Mitigation Strategies: Comparisons ofCow-Calf Returns in Spring- and Fall-Calving Herds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

Stephen A. Smith ,
James D. Caldwell ,
Michael P. Popp ,
Kenneth P. Coffey ,
John A. Jennings ,
Mary C. Savin  and
Charles F. Rosenkrans Jr
Stephen A. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
James D. Caldwell
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
Michael P. Popp
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Kenneth P. Coffey
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
John A. Jennings
Affiliation:
Animal Science, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock, Arkansas
Mary C. Savin
Affiliation:
Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Charles F. Rosenkrans Jr
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Tall fescue toxicosis adversely affects calving rate and weight gainsreducing returns to cow-calf producers in the south–central United States.This grazing study estimated animal and economic performance implications ofendophyte-infected fescue and calving season. Establishing novelendophyte-infected tall fescue on 25% of pasture acres resulted in improvedcalving rates (87% vs. 70%), weaning weights (532 lbs vs. 513 lbs), andpartial returns per acre ($257 vs. $217). Additionally, fall-calving cowshad higher calving rates (91% vs. 67%), weaning weights (550 lbs vs. 496lbs), and partial returns per acre ($269 vs. $199) than spring calvingcows.

Keywords

calving ratescalving seasonendophyte-infected tall fescuenovel endophyte-infected tall fescueand partial returns analysisQ10Q15Q19
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 44 , Issue 4 , November 2012 , pp. 577 - 592
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Anderson, J.R., Dillon, J.L., and Hardaker, J.B. Agricultural Decision Analysis. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1977.Google Scholar
Bacon, C.W., Porter, J.K., Robbins, J.D., and Luttrell, E.S. “ Epichole typhina from Tall Fescue Grasses.” Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology 35(1977):576–81.Google Scholar
Beck, P.A., Gunter, S.A., Lusby, K.S., West, C.P., Watkins, K.B., and Hubbell, D.S. III. “Animal Performance and Economic Comparison of Novel and Toxic Endophyte Tall Fescues to Cool-Season Annuals.” Journal of Animal Science 86(2008):2043–55.10.2527/jas.2007-052218310498Google Scholar
Beers, K.W., and Piper, E.L. “Effects of Grazing Endophyte Infected Fescue on Heifers Growth, Calving Rate and Calf Birth Weight of First Calf Heifers.” Arkansas Farm Research. 36(1987):7.Google Scholar
Boling, J.A. “Endophytic Fungus and Tall Fescue Utilization by Ruminants.” The Professional Animal Scientist 1(1985):19.Google Scholar
Bouton, J.H., Latch, G.C.M., Hill, N.S., Hoveland, C.S., McCann, M.A., Watson, R.H., Parish, J.A., Hawkins, L.L., and Thompson, F.N. “Reinfection of Tall Fescue Cultivars with Non-Ergot Alkaloid-Producing Endophytes.” Agronomy Journal 94(2002):567–74.10.2134/agronj2002.5670Google Scholar
Buckner, R.C., Powell, J.B., and Frakes, R.V. Historical Development in Tall Fescue Monograph. Madison, WI: American Society of Agronomy, 1979, pp. 1–8.Google Scholar
Burton, R.O. Jr., Berends, P.T., Moyer, J.L., Coffey, K.P., and Lomas, L.W. “Economic Analysis of Grazing and Subsequent Feeding of Steers from Three Fescue Pasture Alternatives.” Journal of Production Agriculture 7(1994):482–89.10.2134/jpa1994.0482Google Scholar
Caldwell, J.D., Coffey, K.P., Jennings, J.A., Phillip, D., Young, A.N., Tucker, J.D., Hubbell, D.S. III, Hess, T., Looper, M.L., West, C.P., Saving, M.C., Popp, M.P., Kreider, D.L., Halford, D., and Rosenkrans, C.F. Jr. “Performance by Spring and Fall-Calving Cows Grazing with Full Access, Limited Access, or No Access to Neotyphodium Coenophialum-lnfected Fescue.” Journal of Animal Science (2012):doi: 10.2527/ jas.2011-4603 [Epub ahead of print July 10, 2012].AMBIGUOUS (809 citations)Google Scholar
Coblentz, W.K., Coffey, K.P., Smith, T.F., Hubbell, D.S. III, Scarbrough, D.A., Humphry, J.B., McGinley, B.C., Turner, J.E., Jennings, J.A., West, C.P., Popp, M.P., Hellwig, D.H., Kreider, D.L., and Rosenkrans, C.F. Jr. “Using Orchardgrass and Endophyte-Free Fescue versus Endophyte-Infected Fescue Overseeded on Bermudagrass for Cow Herds: I. Four-Year Summary of Forage Characteristics.” Crop Science 46,5(2006a):1919–28.10.2135/cropsci2005.11-0442Google Scholar
Coblentz, W.K., Coffey, K.P., Smith, T.F., Hubbell, D.S. III, Scarbrough, D.A., Humphry, J.B., McGinley, B.C., Turner, J.E., Jennings, J.A., West, C.P., Popp, M.P., Hellwig, D.H., Kreider, D.L., and Rosenkrans, C.F. Jr. “Using Orchardgrass and Endophyte-Free Fescue versus Endophyte-Infected Fescue Overseeded on Bermudagrass for Cow Herds: n. Four-Year Summary of Cow-Calf Performance.” Crop Science 46(2006b):1929–38.10.2135/cropsci2005.11-0443Google Scholar
Coffey, K.P., Coblentz, W.K., Caldwell, J.D., West, C.P., Ogden, R.K., Hess, T., Hubbell, D.S. III, Akins, M.S., and Rosenkrans, C.F. Jr. “Cow and Calf Performance While Grazing Tall Fescue Pastures with Either the Wild-Type Toxic Endophyte or a Non-Toxic Novel Endophyte.” Arkansas Animal Science Report Series 553(2007):67–69.Google Scholar
Coffey, K.P., Coblentz, W.K., Hellwig, D.H., Popp, M.P., Smith, T.F., Hubbell, D.S. III, Scarbrough, D.A., Humphry, J.B., Turner, J.E., Johnson, Z.B., and Rosenkrans, C.F. Jr. “Weaning and Post-Weaning Performance by Fall-Born Calves Weaned on Different Dates from Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Pastures Managed with Two Different Rotation Frequencies.” Livestock Science 118(2008):183–94.10.1016/j.livsci.2008.01.019Google Scholar
Coffey, K.P., Lomas, L.W., and Moyer, J.L. “Grazing and Subsequent Feedlot Performance by Steers That Grazed Different Types of Fescue Pasture.” Journal of Production Agriculture 3(1990):415.10.2134/jpa1990.0415Google Scholar
Cole, N.A., Stuedemann, J.A., Purdy, C.W., and Hutcheson, D.P. “Influence of Endophyte in Tall Fescue Pastures on the Feedlot Performance of Feeder Steers.” Journal of Animal Science 65,Suppl 1(1987):331 (Abstract).Google Scholar
Gay, N., Boling, J.A., Dew, R., and Miksch, D.E. “Effects of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue on Beef Cow Performance.” Applied Agricultural Research 3(1988):183–86.Google Scholar
Gunter, S.A., and Beck, P.A. “Novel Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue for Growing Beef Cattle.” Journal of Animal Science 82,ESuppl(2004):E75–82.15471817Google Scholar
Hoveland, C.S. “Economic Importance of Acre-monium Endophytes.” Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment 44(1993):3–12.10.1016/0167-8809(93)90036-OGoogle Scholar
Hoveland, C.S., Schmidt, S.P., King, C.C. Jr., Odom, J.W., Clark, E.M., McGuire, J.A., Smith, L.A., Grimes, H.W., and Holliman, J.L. “Steer Performance and Association of Acremonium Coenophialum Fungal Endophyte on Tall Fescue Pasture.” Agronomy Journal 75(1983):821–24.10.2134/agronj1983.00021962007500050021xGoogle Scholar
Malinowski, D.P., and Belesky, D.P. “Adaptations of Endophyte-Infected Cool-Season Grasses to Environmental Stresses: Mechanisms of Drought and Mineral Stress Tolerance.” Crop Science 40(2000):923–40.10.2135/cropsci2000.404923xGoogle Scholar
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA 2003). United States Department of Commerce. Internet site: http://wwwl.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/2870104981922dat.txt (Accessed June 15, 2011).Google Scholar
Peters, C.W., Grigsby, K.N., Aldrich, C.G., Paterson, J.A., Lipsey, R.J., Kerley, M.S., and Garner, G.B. “Performance, Forage Utilization, and Ergovaline Consumption by Beef Cows Grazing Endophyte Fungus-Infected Tall Fescue, Endophyte Fungus-Free Tall Fescue, or Orchardgrass Pastures.” Journal of Animal Science 70(1992):1550–61.1526924Google Scholar
Popp, M., Doye, D., and West, C. “Controlled vs Continuous Calving Seasons in the South: What's at Stake?” Journal of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisals 90(2008):60–73.Google Scholar
Porter, J.K., and Thompson, F.N. Jr. “Effects of Fescue Toxicosis on Reproduction Livestock.” Journal of Animal Science 70(1992):1594–603.1526927Google Scholar
Realini, C.E., Duckett, S.K., Hill, N.S., Hoveland, C.S., Lyon, B.G., Sackmann, J.R., and Gillis, M.H. “Effect of Endophyte Type on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Fatty Acid Composition of Beef Cattle Grazing Tall Fescue.” Journal of Animal Science 83(2005):430–39.15644516Google Scholar
Roberts, C., and Andrae, J. 2004. “Tall Fescue Toxicosis and Management.” Crop Management April(2004):doi: 10.1094/CM-2004-0427-01-MG. Internet site: www.plantmanagementaetwork.org/pub/em/management/2004/toxicosis (Accessed July 26, 2012).Google Scholar
Rottinghaus, G.E., Garner, G.B., Cornell, C.N., and Ellis, J.L. “HPLC Method for Quantitating Ergovaline in Endophyte-Infested Tall Fescue: Seasonal Variation of Ergovaline Levels in Stems with Leaf Sheaths, Leaf Blades, and Seed Heads.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 39(1991):112–15.10.1021/jf00001a022Google Scholar
Schmidt, S.P., Danielson, D.A., Holliman, J.A., Grimes, H.W., and Webster, W.B. “Fescue Fungus Suppresses Growth and Reproduction in Replacement Beef Heifers. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University.” Highlights of Agricultural Research 33(1986):15.Google Scholar
Schmidt, S.P., and Osborn, T.G. “Effects of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue on Animal Performance.” Agriculture Ecosystems &; Environment 44(1993):233–62.10.1016/0167-8809(93)90049-UGoogle Scholar
Spiers, D.E., Evans, T.J., and Rottinghaus, G.E. “Interaction between Thermal Stress and Fescue Toxicosis: Animal Models.” Neotyphodium in Cool-Season Grasses. Roberts, C.A., West, C.P., and Spiers, D.E., eds. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publishing, 2005.Google Scholar
Startz, R. EViews Illustrated for Version 6. Irvine, CA: Quantitative Micro Software, 2007.Google Scholar
Strickland, J.R., Looper, M.L., Matthews, J.C., Rosenkrans, C.F. Jr., Flythe, M.D., and Brown, K.R. “St. Anthony's Fire in Livestock: Causes, Mechanisms, and Potential Solutions.” Journal of Animal Science 89(2011):1603–26.10.2527/jas.2010-347821521821Google Scholar
Strickland, J.R., Oliver, J.W., and Cross, D.L. “Fescue Toxicosis and Its Impact on Animal Agriculture.” Veterinary and Human Toxicology 35(1993):454–64.8249272Google Scholar
Stuedemann, J.A., and Hoveland, C.S. “Fescue Endophyte: History and Impact on Animal Agriculture.” Journal of Production Agriculture 1(1988):39–44.10.2134/jpa1988.0039Google Scholar
United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Division Market. Detailed Quotations, Arkansas: Livestock Weighted Average Monthly Prices for, 2010.Google Scholar
United States Department of Agriculture. Natural Resource Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey. Internet site: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey. aspx (Accessed June 8, 2011a).Google Scholar
United States Department of Agriculture. Hay Market Report, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri, 2011. Internet site:http://ams.usda.gov/mnreports/jc_gr310.txt (Accessed June 15, 2011b).Google Scholar
United States Department of Agriculture. A Report from the Economic Research Service. Cattle Sector Production Practices and Regional Price Differences. Internet site: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Pubhcations/LDP/2011/04Apr/LDPM2021/LDPM2021.pdf (Accessed June 21, 2011c).Google Scholar
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services (UACES). Arkansas Livestock and Grain Market News Service of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Internet site: http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/MP-413.pdf (Accessed May 20, 2011).Google Scholar
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services (UACES). Cow-calf Budget, 2002. Internet site: http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/MP-413.pdf (Accessed June 6, 2011).Google Scholar
Vibart, R.E., Drewnoski, M.E., Poore, M.H., and Green, J.E. Jr. “Persistence and Botanical Composition of Jesup Tall Fescue with Varying Endophyte Status after Five Years of Stockpiling and Intensive Winter Grazing.” Forage and Grazinglands April(2008):doi:10.1094/ FS-2008-0421-01-RS. Internet site: www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/fg/research/2008/jesup. (Accessed July 26, 2012).Google Scholar
Washburn, S.P., and Green, J.T. Jr. Performance of Replacement Beef Heifers on Endophyte-Infected Fescue Pastures. In: Proc. 40th Annu. Conf. North Carolina Cattlemen's Assoc. February 25-28, 1991. North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC. 1991.Google Scholar
Zhuang, J., Marchant, M.A., Schardl, C.L., and Butler, C.M. “Economic Analysis of Replacing Endophyte-Infected with Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue Pastures.” Agronomy Journal 97(2005):711–16.10.2134/agronj2004.0108Google Scholar