Dataset of the Effects of a Low Dose of Isoflavones in Beef Cattle Undergoing Tall Fescue Toxicosis

Tall fescue toxicosis negatively impacts blood flow, elevates body temperature, and reduces beef cattle’s average daily gain (ADG). In previous studies, isoflavones have diminished the symptoms of tall fescue toxicosis in ruminants. Therefore, this dataset determined the impact of low concentrations of isoflavone doses on animal vasculature, body temperature, ADG, and rumen microbial communities in beef cattle. A 21-day experiment with Angus cattle consisted of four isoflavone doses: 0 g, 2 g, 4 g, and 6 g, along with a control group. Isoflavones were mixed with 0.5 kg of dried distiller’s grains (DDGs). Daily individual rectal temperatures were recorded. Weekly blood serum was collected via coccygeal venipuncture, blood vasculature data were measured via color Doppler ultrasound, and body weight (BW) was recorded. Approximately 100 mL of rumen content was collected at the end of the trial. The pulsatility index (PI) decreased in the control group compared to the 2 g and 4 g groups ( p = 0.01). Animals in the isoflavone treatment groups recorded a higher rectal temperature ( p < 0.05). ADG was reduced in animals undergoing isoflavone treatments ( p < 0.001). Finally, there was no impact on the rumen microbial communities ( p > 0.05). Isoflavone supplementation may mitigate tall fescue toxicosis and improve animal performance at greater doses.