INTRODUCTION
An experiment was conducted, two consecutive years, at the Prairie Research Unit, Mississippi State University, to evaluate the effects of Tasco^®, delivered as part of a mineral supplement, on body temperature and respiration rates in beef cows grazing on endophyte-infected fescue pastures. 

RESULTS
The addition of Tasco^® fortified mineral to the diet decreased the body temperature of cows grazing on endophyte-infested fescue pasture.

Respiration rates decreased in response to Tasco^® fortified mineral treatment compared to control.


CONCLUSION
The use of Tasco^® fortified mineral is superior to the standard mineral mix in decreasing body temperature and breathing rates of cows fed on endophyte- infected pastures. These results could have economic impacts as heat stress is an important parameter to consider in good herd management.

INTRODUCTION
Another University trial was conducted at Middle Tennessee State to determine the effect of Free-Choice Mineral containing Tasco^® on cow health. One of the parameters monitored was the rectal temperature in both the treatment and control group.

RESULTS
Rectal temperatures differences were noted, with Tasco^® cows having significantly lower rectal temperature during the months of June and July than control cows. 

CONCLUSION
The results indicate that Tasco^® is beneficial as a supplement for beef cows grazing Tall Fescue during the hottest of the summer months.

Cows in the Southeastern region of the U.S. are placed in a fairly stressful environment during the summer months (hot and humid conditions). The addition of Tasco^® in a mineral mix can help to reduce heat stress and increase performance in a cow herd.