USDA grant fuels new research into cattle health

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky has been awarded a substantial USDA grant aimed at addressing a critical issue in the beef industry: fescue toxicosis.

Assistant Professor Ronald Trotta, from the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, leads the research, focusing on how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can combat this condition that significantly impacts beef cattle, particularly in regions with endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Fescue toxicosis, caused by ergot alkaloids from the fungus Epichloë coenophiala, can lead to severe health issues in cattle, including reduced feed intake, poor weight gain, and increased susceptibility to heat stress. The condition affects about nine million U.S. beef calves annually, reducing their weaning weight significantly.

This two-year study will explore whether 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin, can alleviate symptoms like vasoconstriction by improving serotonin availability, thereby enhancing blood flow, nutrient absorption, and overall animal health.

The research will integrate nutritional, hormonal, and gene expression analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the treatment’s efficacy.

With this grant, the University of Kentucky hopes to develop new strategies to mitigate the effects of fescue toxicosis, potentially leading to significant advancements in cattle health and agricultural productivity.

The results could offer groundbreaking insights into both the biological impact of ergot alkaloids and the therapeutic potential of 5-HTP.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky