Tall fescue is the primary cool season perennial forage grown in the state of Georgia, and toxicity issues related to the grass can have significant impacts on equine reproduction. Tall fescue is the most heat tolerant of the cool season grasses due to a fungus that grows within the plant called an endophyte. This endophyte produces ergot alkaloids that can have negative effects on animals that eat the infected forage. The toxic effects of the endophyte can be successfully managed by eliminating the grazing or feeding of toxic tall fescue, as described in this publication.
Status and Revision History
Published on Mar 13, 2020
Faculty
Brenda Jackson
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent,
Northwest District
Dennis Hancock
Professor and Extension Agronomist for Forage Crops (Pasture, Hay, and Silage),
Crop & Soil Sciences