Beneficial Endophytes and Animal Health
Learn about the variety of ways in which endophytes can improve your animal and pasture performance.
Learn about the variety of ways in which endophytes can improve your animal and pasture performance.
An endophyte is a naturally occurring fungus (Epichloë festucae var. lolii, formerly known as Neotyphodium lolii) found in many grass species. It grows inside the cell walls of the plant, and the endophyte produces chemical compounds known as alkaloids which help protect the plant from insect damage and can increase persistence. However, ergovaline, an alkaloid found within the endophyte, can also affect animal health and performance.