Harnessing Alfalfa as a Functional Feed to Combat Fescue Toxicosis and Heat Stress in Cattle

Abstract: Harnessing alfalfa as a functional feed to combat fescue toxicosis and heat stress in cattle UK Investigators: S. Ray Smith, David Harmon, Je Lehmkuhler UK researchers will be involved with this project by planting alfalfa cultivars at the UK North Farm in two field experiments. The first will measure yield, nutritive value and concentration of secondary metabolites and the second will determine the effect of maturity on secondary metabolites. We will also collaborate with USDA-ARS-FAPRU researchers to evaluate potential applications of alfalfa secondary metabolites as functional feeds in beef cattle production including fescue toxicosis and heat stress. UK extension specialists will disseminate the results of this research through state and national conference presentations, newsletter articles, extension publications, the UK forage website, and KYForages YouTube Channel.