“Fescue toxicosis and heat stress compound each other, especially here in the Southeast,” Smith said. Bioactive compounds under the microscopeAlfalfa contains a group of natural plant compounds called flavonoids. First, the team will test which specific alfalfa flavonoids, and at what doses, most effectively prevent fescue toxicosis in cattle. Third, they will feed whole alfalfa to beef steers during controlled fescue toxicosis and heat stress challenges. UK experts currently encourage frost seeding red and white clover into pastures to reduce fescue toxicosis and alfalfa would provide a useful option.