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  Discussion on Prevention of fescue toxicity
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 7, 1999 - 8:51 pm:

Fescue pastures can be monitored, to see how much endophyte they contain. Tillers of fescue can be sampled from the field and a test is carried out showing how many plants are infected. It is important to collect a good, representative sample in order to get a result in which we can trust.
Fescue is a valuable pasture in many regions, especially in winter, and therefore this effort can be really worthy.
The endophyte (Acremonium) has a simbiosis with the plant, liberating some compounds that prevent the atack of some insects, and reduce the grazing by animals.
It is possible to find seed free of the endophyte. A pasture sown with endophyte free seed, will remain so, because the only way the fungus spreads is in infected seed.
Some varieties of fescue are completely free of the fungus because they have been bred in that way, Buying certified seed of this varieties, or of tested seed, will ensure a good pasture.

Posted on Monday, Nov 8, 1999 - 3:00 am:

I buy fescue as a hay, which I mix together with two other local grasses. Is the hay also likely to contain the fungus? And if so, can it affect geldings in any way? The article only seems to mention mares and the damage that can be done to their foals.

The farmer who grows and bales the fescue is not the type of person who would answer questions on funguses. His attitude would be "take it or leave it".

It is a beautiful hay, and the horses love it, so I would be sorry if I could not get it for them.
I would be grateful for feedback.

Posted on Monday, Nov 8, 1999 - 6:32 am:

Hello AFM,
Yes the hay will contain the toxin but no we do not think it will effect the geldings adversely.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 10, 1999 - 10:02 pm:

Is this fescue fungus mostly seen in damp climates, or climates with high humidity or will it also be found in fescue grown in Colorado and the high country of Arizona? I have been using it, for several years, in a grass blend that I buy with no adverse effects that I know of. I do have one mare but it's not likely that she'll be bred. I'm wondering if I should have the hay tested.

Pam N.

Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 1999 - 7:11 am:

No Pam,
The fungus actually comes in the seed and so I don't think your dry environment protects you. On the other hand without having any pregnant mares I would not worry about it: fescue is excellent forage for horses.
DrO
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