Bacteria can be spread by milking equipment, but mastitis caused by environmental pathogens is proving to be more elusive to prevent. Mastitis results in higher costs for dairy producers due to discarded milk, decreased productivity, and treatment costs. Mastitis is Stephen Oliver's research focus. Visit his web page for additional information. In cattle, clinical signs of tall fescue toxicosis include reduced weight gain or milk production, rough hair coat, intolerance of heat, poor circulation in the feet and tail, and poor conception rates.
Tall fescue infested with endophytic fungus can also cause health problems in gravid mares.
With over 3.5 million acres of tall fescue in Tennessee, research on the toxicosis has been given high priority. Research at the Knoxville Experiment Station includes evaluation of the effect of the fungus on tall fescue persistence and productivity, grazing studies to investigate management practices associated with host plants and animals that may minimize the detrimental effects of the fungus, and efforts to learn more about the exact effects of the fungus on the physiology and endocrinology of the animal. Centers for plant research, the gardens are also classrooms for students in ornamental horticulture and landscape design. The Knoxville garden is the largest of four gardens located at branch experiment stations across the state. The Knoxville garden includes an All-American Selections trial garden, a unique collection of ivy, a traditional herb garden planted in a geometric pattern, and an informal herb garden designed by herb expert and author Holly Shimizu.