December 14, 2007

Tall fescue is a pasture grass we often have resisted using because it can contain some compounds that harm livestock.

Tall fescue is a high yielding and persistent cool-season grass. Compared to other grasses, fescue grows especially well in the fall and is often used for winter grazing.

Old fescue varieties often have an internal fungus, or endophyte, that produces chemicals that help the plant resist insects and diseases, which is good. But some of the chemicals also affect body temperature regulation, blood flow, and feed intake in livestock.

Horses can be very sensitive. Mares can abort or have stillborn foals, or they may fail to produce milk. In cattle we often see rough hair coats and more time spent standing in water or shade during summer. Cows produce less milk and often have difficulty conceiving. In winter, a condition called "fescue foot" can cause animals to lose hooves, ears, or tail switches during cold weather.

Many new fescue varieties, though, contain a novel endophyte or have been developed to be "endophyte free." These fescues are very safe to graze. Nebraska research under both dryland and irrigated conditions has shown that many of these varieties are highly productive, have good survival and are well suited for cow-calf operations. Many producers are using them very successfully in their grazing programs.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist