Ergot Alkaloids from Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Alters Ovarian Follicle Growth and Development in Beef Heifers

An abstract of the study determining if ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue reduces follicle numbers, or suppresses follicular development resulting in poor embryo growth, is discussed. Where weekly measurements were collected to monitor physiological responses during exposure to ergot alkaloids. Also noted that there is no differences were observed in early embryo growth and development and ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue alter ovarian follicular development during the selection to dominant stage.