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  Discussion on Endophytes
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Posted on Saturday, Dec 8, 2001 - 8:52 am:

Hi,

We planted 5 to 6 acres of newly cleared land with a "pasture mix" and annual rye (to hold the soil while waiting for the pasture mix to take hold). We assumed that because it was called Pasture Mix it would be safe for our horses. Is this a good assumption. Should we get the grass tested in the spring anyway?
Thanks, Kim

Posted on Saturday, Dec 8, 2001 - 12:55 pm:

Hi Kim!

Unless you still have the "pasture mix" bag and can verify through an ingredient listing that there is absolutely no fescue in it, I would definitely test. Most pasture mixes do include fescue, and if it's one of the new "endophyte-free" varieties, they certainly would have had advertising of that all over the bag!! If you're breeding, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Bonnie

Posted on Saturday, Dec 8, 2001 - 2:18 pm:

Hi Bonnie,
The mix states it is PNW Grazing pasture mixture and it came from Oregan which I noted from the readings on this site that they produce an endophite free product. We have perenial rye called Anaconda Tetraploid per Rye grass. There is no fescue listed on the label.

Maybe, I should contact the company that sold it to us-although the distributer said it was safe for animals-I'm not sure if he said that because it says grazing mix on the bag.

Kim

Posted on Sunday, Dec 9, 2001 - 8:50 am:

Hi Kim!

I would still either test and/or contact the company. Technically, fescue IS considered "safe" for animals - except pregnant mares during their last 90 days or so of gestation.

And while there is an endophyte-free fescue seed available, like I mentioned before, if the company went to all the trouble of using it, they would certainly advertise it heavily somewhere on the bag since it's such an important issue to a lot of horse owners.

If you're breeding, a phone call and/or the $35 (I believe that's what it costs) test is certainly worth it.

Bonnie

Posted on Sunday, Dec 9, 2001 - 9:00 am:

I would start with calling the company to find what type seeds in what amounts and if there is fescue is it endophyte free. I am not sure what PNW means, be sure to ask them. Then you can decide if testing might be neccesary.
DrO
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