Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Pasture

Yes, that's the same one.  Actually, it's not a mold, it's a fungus, and
it's called an endophyte because it lives inside the plant tissue.  That's
why you can't just look at the grass and tell that you have it--the leaf
tissue has to be sectioned and stained to see it.  The problems associated
with fescue toxicosis in mares are:  prolonged pregnancies, weak or
stillborn foals, no milk production by the mare, retained placentas, tough
or thickened placentas, decreased serum prolactin levels, decreased
progesterone levels, and increased estrogen levels.  The hormone
abnormalities cause the other problems, incidentally.  Founder isn't a
direct result of the fescue, but can result from the retained placentas.

The type of fescue is tall fescue (scientific name Festuca arundinacea
Schreb.).  Kentucky 31 is the most common cultivar with the fungus in it.
There are several endophyte-free varieties, but as I mentioned earlier, they
have some problems of their own, although those are problems for the plant
rather than the animals.  Two of the most common endophyte free varieties
are AU Triumph and Johnston.

You should be fine as long as you keep your pregnant mares off the infested
pasture for the at least the last 3 months of pregnancy.  There is a drug in
the final stages of FDA approval that prevents the problems of fescue
toxicosis.  I did the initial work on it at Clemson in the early 90's, and
my major advisor has formed a company to put it on the market when it gets
approved.  I think they are finished with the clinical trials now, but if
you or your vet suspect a problem next foaling season, have him or her
contact Dr. Dee Cross at Clemson University.  He's a professor in the Animal
and Veterinary Sciences Department. Or, you can check out the company
website at www.equitox.com for additional ways to contact him.  Tell him
Lisa Redmond sent you his direction!  LOL



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