Start Date
1-13-2012 12:00 PM
Description
Horse owners and managers have known for many years that endophyte infected tall fescue can cause a variety of issues with late term pregnant mares. Research has shown that grazing pure stands induces extreme physiological changes, while grazing pastures completely free of E+ tall fescue is virtually safe. However few pastures are pure stands or completely free of tall fescue. We know that the “danger level” changes over the seasons and that management can greatly reduce the risk of mares grazing infected pastures. Understanding what is “too much” can help us weigh the risks of symptoms to the cost of removal.
Included in
Horse Pastures: How Much Tall Fescue If Too Much?
Horse owners and managers have known for many years that endophyte infected tall fescue can cause a variety of issues with late term pregnant mares. Research has shown that grazing pure stands induces extreme physiological changes, while grazing pastures completely free of E+ tall fescue is virtually safe. However few pastures are pure stands or completely free of tall fescue. We know that the “danger level” changes over the seasons and that management can greatly reduce the risk of mares grazing infected pastures. Understanding what is “too much” can help us weigh the risks of symptoms to the cost of removal.