A model of fescue toxicosis: responses of rats to intake of endophyte-infected tall fescue

A study was conducted to develop a model for fescue toxicosis using rats fed a diet containing endophyte-infected tall fescue seed (E+). Rats implanted with telemetric transmitters to continuously monitor core body temperature (Tc) and activity were housed at thermoneutrality (21 degrees C) and were fed a diet containing endophyte-free fescue seed (E-). After 2 wk, they were assigned to either E+ or E- diets and initially maintained at thermoneutrality (preheat) for 8 d. They were then exposed to heat stress (31 degrees C) for 22 d, followed by 1 wk of recovery at thermoneutrality (post-heat). Body weight and feed intake were measured daily. Rats receiving the E+ diet showed decreased feed intake (P = 0.001) and weight gains (P = 0.003) during the preheat period. The decrease in Tc from the pre-treatment level was greater in E+ than in E- rats during the preheat (P = 0.001) and postheat (P = 0.001) periods. With heat stress, both groups showed parallel decreases in feed intake. The increase in Tc from pre-heat to heat conditions was greater in E+ vs. E- rats (P = 0.001). Activity level was lower in E+ than in E-rats during heat stress (P = 0.009) and postheat (P = 0.037) periods. These results show that the rat model for fescue toxicosis is extremely useful because many of the observed responses to E+ diet are similar to those noted for cattle, and additional variables that are difficult to measure in cattle, such as activity, can be easily evaluated.