The proprietary blend of ingredients in Fescue EMT work metabolically to defend cattle from the ergot alkaloids that lead to fescue toxicosis.

April 4, 2017

2 Min Read
Cargill introduces Fescue EMT mineral defense for cattle grazing fescue
Iowa State University

Cargill Animal Nutrition has introduced Fescue EMT, a new mineral defense with Endophyte Management Technology (EMT), to help the U.S. beef industry manage cattle grazing endophyte-infected fescue pastures.

“For many producers, tall fescue is the only forage available for their cattle so they have no choice but to graze it,” said Ken Bryan, Cargill beef product line manager. “It must be managed properly, including through nutrition, to mitigate the negative impact fescue toxicosis can have on cattle performance and the bottom-line.”

The proprietary blend of ingredients in Fescue EMT work metabolically to defend cattle from the ergot alkaloids that lead to fescue toxicosis, also known as summer slump. Verified by independent research and trialed by producers grazing endophyte-infected fescue, Fescue EMT has been demonstrated to improve growth and overall performance.

“The consequences of fescue toxicity vary in severity, but all have a big impact,” Bryan said. “Cattle spend less time grazing, which means less gain. Conception rates, milk production, and female retention are all negatively affected by the stress caused by the toxicity.”

Throughout the warm season, producers grazing cattle on endophyte-infected fescue can replace their existing mineral with non-medicated Fescue EMT to help prevent many of these performance concerns. For those producers challenged by anaplasmosis on fescue forages, a medicated formula is also available, but does require a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) for purchase or use.

“Not only are producers helping defend their cattle from fescue toxicosis, but fundamentally, they can feel confident that their cattle are receiving a palatable nutrient source,” Bryan explained. “Fescue EMT contains all of the vitamins and minerals you’d expect in a high quality mineral from Cargill Animal Nutrition.”

Fescue EMT can be purchased through Nutrena dealers and Vigortone representatives nationwide. To learn more about Fescue EMT, visit www.FescueEMT.com or contact a local Cargill beef consultant.

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