Fescue Toxicosis and Management

Fescue toxicosis continues to be one of the most devastating problems in forage–livestock agriculture. Because there is presently no cure, using the most up-to-date management and prevention approaches are crucial. The 2nd edition of this important guide presents an easy-to-understand description of this complex problem, along with recommendations that are practical for real farm use. Tall fescue 3

Fescue Toxicosis 3

Management 4

Endophyte Testing 4

Option I: Replacement of Toxic Tall Fescue 5

Spray–Smother–Spray 6

Spray–Wait–Spray 7

New Tall Fescue Varieties 8

Option II: Management of Toxic Tall Fescue 10

Pasture Dilution 11

Strategic Grazing 12

Fall Calving 13

Careful Fertilization 14

Hay Management 14

Seedhead Control 15

Supplemental Feeding 15

Other Practices 16

Summary 17

Literature Cited 17

About the Societies 20

Craig Roberts is Professor of Plant Sciences and State Forage Specialist at the University of Missouri. Over the past 35 years, he has conducted research, organized Extension workshops, and published manuscripts on the science and management of fescue toxicosis. For more information about his program, visit: plantsciences.missouri.edu/roberts/.

John Andrae is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and serves as the State Forage Specialist at Clemson University. He has conducted research projects and Extension programs related to tall fescue toxicosis, legume establishment, and grazing management for the past 18 years. For more information about his program, visit: www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/jandrae.