Fescue toxicosis and its impact on animal agriculture.

Studies of fescue toxicosis have identified several classes of plant/fungal alkaloids that may be responsible for the toxicosis problem of endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum) infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). This review explores the interaction of these alkaloids with the animal's system and attempts to explain the various anomalies of fescue toxicosis through discussion of both in vitro and in vivo experiments.