Soy Hulls: More Than Just a Feed Supplement

Introduction There is approximately 35 million acres of tall fescue in the USA, with most of this acreage being utilized in hay meadows and grazed pastures in a region between the temperate northeast and subtropical southeast and commonly referred to as the Fescue Belt. Popularity of the grass is due to its productivity, persistence, and low cost of management. Unfortunately, a fungal endophyte that infects most plants of tall fescue produces ergot alkaloid toxins that cause a toxicosis in cattle and other grazing livestock. Fescue toxicosis may reduce reproductive performance of cow herds and weaning weights, and reduce post-weaning weight gain and overall thriftiness. Cattle inflicted with toxicosis have elevated body temperatures, maintain rough hair coats during the summer, and have reduced blood concentrations of prolactin (hormone required for milk production, and growth and development processes). Consequently, fescue toxicosis is estimated to cost the U.S. beef industry approximately 1 billion dollars each year.