Stockpiling Fescue Concerns

Early in the work of determining why cattle grazing fescue had health problems, Dr. George Garner, UM Biochemist, noticed a recurring problem. He saw cattle grazing stockpiled fescue that had laid all year long, was several years of growth or had a lot of lush growth resulting from good weather, showed signs of foot rot, tail switches falling off, poor conception and general poor growth.

After much testing, an endophyte or toxin, was discovered in the hot fescue the cattle were grazing that was causing fescue foot and the other problems. They determined a lack of blood flow to the extremities caused the foot, tail and even the ear tip problems.

Eldon Cole, Southwest Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist says, “The toxin that comes from the fungus in certain varieties may not create serious problems until the first hard cold spell. Research shows that the toxin is lowered as the winter progresses. If we get some sub-freezing temperatures, be sure and watch for stiffness and slow moving cattle. It is most evident early in the mornings when they are just getting up and starting to move.”

If you notice a foot swelling it may be fescue foot. Contact your veterinarian, antibiotics may not be the answer. Get the affected cattle off the pastures immediately (best if off fescue completely) and feed them a clean ration of grain and hay (alfalfa, clover, other grass). It has also been shown some cattle tolerate the toxin better than others. If cattle are not showing any symptoms there should be no problems. Some animals may not show the ill effects until several months later when their rear hooves start to elongate or even curl up.

This message is not to discourage stockpile fescue usage, but to ask that you observe your cattle closely if any problems arise. Please call the Extension Office if you have any problems.

 

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		Matt Herring - Agronomy/Natural Resources Ken Bolte - Farm Management/Livestock Franklin County University Extension Center Last revised: 11/28/05		Go to Franklin County University Extension Center page