103 Impact of Fescue Variety on Fecal Egg Counts in Mature Beef Cattle

Abstract Fescue toxicosis decreases beef cattle performance in a multitude of ways, including decreased health and immunity. Cattle challenged by fescue are often grazing an environment favorable for development gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Interactions parasite challenge may result further economic losses. Many producers treat animals regularly GIN parasites with little insight on necessity or effectiveness anthelmintic products. Overuse anthelmintics can resistance populations. To minimize the resistance, implementation selective deworming practices should be considered. However, level burden effects need to better understood herds before recommendations offered. Therefore, objective was investigate impact infection rates through fecal egg counts (FEC), body weight (BW), hematocrit (HCT), condition score (BCS). Starting April, 14 consecutive weeks post-weaning, pregnant Angus-based cows (2 4 years old, n = 65) were rotationally grazed either novel endophyte (EN) endophyte-infected (EI) pastures. Hematocrit, BCS, BW assessed weekly, while FEC measured bi-weekly monitor physiological changes as consuming tall fescue. All data analyzed using Proc MIXED SAS repeated measures. Statistical significance declared at P ≤ 0.05 trend 0.10 > 0.05. Overall, low (4.2 ± 0.9 eggs/gm) these mature EI EN did not have any overall effect (P 0.05) FEC. < over course study from week 1 13. Body weight, HCT, BCS affected type grazed. There tendency 0.10) 2-3 4-6 year old lower when compared >7 affected. gained 14-week (471.4 527.7 0.6 kg, 0 and4 respectively). For fescue, HCT linearly whereas had linear increase 14. More research is warranted potential younger cattle.