Hay is grass, legumes, or other herbaceous plants that have been cut and dried to be stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for large grazing animals raised as livestock, such as cattle, horses, donkeys, goats, and sheep.However, it is also fed to smaller domesticated animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Tall Fescue is an extremely hardy perennial that is insect and drought resistant, shade tolerant, and stays green year around. Our goats graze "fresh" fescue and also eat fescue hay. The problem: Tall Fescue is toxic to goats, particularly pregnant goats, as well as sheep, cattle, and horses. fescue eradication. Sounds too good to be true for goats, right? 7) Kids are too large, probably because of prolonged gestation, requiring producer intervention to deliver them alive. Goats on the other hand favor the seed heads even though the toxins are known to be highest in the seed. Digital Media Library, August 8, 2003 The ability of goats to consume a variety of grasses, legumes, and browse facilitates the dilution concept in a slightly different manner. This endophytic (inside the plant) fungus is not detectable visually. It appears that the fungus interferes with the absorption of copper and selenium. If fertilized, the plant can accumulate nitrates, making nitrate poisoning an additional danger. It is like nectar for goats and other foragers and grazers. On the other hand, horses usually don’t require such rich forage. Very coarse hay or forage is not readily digestible by goats, so they prefer not to eat them. Dosing does in the last 30 days of their pregnancy with one cc per day orally, this Illinois man's goats kidded normally without problems associated with Tall Fescue Toxicity. The author, Suzanne Gasparotto, hereby grants to local goat publications and club newsletters, permission to reprint articles published on the Onion Creek Ranch website under these conditions: THE ARTICLE MUST BE REPRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THE AUTHOR'S NAME, ADDRESS, AND CONTACT INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REPRINT. Millet is an annual grass. He said it is not the K31 type fescue with the potential for toxicity. Research has shown that mowing of seed heads in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by cattle. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is Missouri's most widely used forage crop. “Producers can find other sources of hay such as orchard grass, timothy, alfalfa or red clover to reduce toxicity problems in the winter feeding period,” he said. Aimee D. Heald, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment - It Starts With Us. Research has shown that mowing of seed heads in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by cattle. Made by Dechra Veterinary Products, Equidone Gel is used in horses, and his vet postulated that it might work with goats. Producers have found that planting the endophyte-free fescue is not cost effective or successful in the long run. We offer hay/forage year round for your trail horses, working horses, cows, goats, sheep etc. 4) Placentas so thick that the kids cannot get out unless the producer tears it open. Still, substantial evidence for developing new stands of tall fescue with novel endophytes does not exist. Endophyte-free fescue is also easily crowded out by the hardier toxic fescue. Research   /   This endophytic (inside the plant) fungus is not detectable visually. If you must live with Tall Fescue, keep the pastures cut short in order to prevent seed formation, as the seeds are where the toxic fungus lives and is consumed by goats. It is three-to-four feet in height, grows in clumps, and has medium-wide leaves that are rough-ribbed. Producers also could move goats from tall fescue to warm season grasses during hot and/or dry months.“Producers can find other sources of hay such as orchard grass, timothy, alfalfa or red clover to reduce toxicity problems in the winter feeding period,” he said. Millet grows very quickly and reach 40 to 50 inches within 60 to 90 days (if left alone). Stockpiled fescue has few endophyte concerns because fungal concentration drops in late fall and winter. Do not underestimate the connection between Tall Fescue toxicity and selenium and/or copper deficiencies in goats. Legume hay is also ideal for goats and lambs. Learn More! Livestock symptoms will also be less intense due to the cooler temperatures. We would appreciate notification from any clubs or publications when the articles are used. Hutchens advised goat producers to seriously consider all the factors before making large investments such as extensive pasture reseeding or buying products to counter the toxic effects of tall fescue on goats. Extension   /   Avoid fescue unless its endophyte free. Each of these grasses may be found in your hay … There are two conditions under which goats will eat toxic Tall Fescue. ), [GoatCamp™] [Tennessee Meat Goats™] [Myotonic Goats] [TexMaster™ Goats] [Which Breed is Right for You?] Tall fescue is grown for pasture, hay, silage and as a companion crop with other forage grass varieties and legumes. I'm getting ready to buy hay for this winter. are Trademarks of Onion Creek Ranch . Rough coats are typical. Also, using no-tillage crops such as corn, small grain/soybean or Sudan grass helps to eliminate tall fescue from pastures followed by establishment of alternative pasture species or endophyte-free tall fescue.Fescue toxicity is a serious economic problem in the beef industry, and its affects have extensively been studied. ,y milkers are mini nubians and peaked at 1 1/2 gallons of milk (each) in a 24 hour period. Actually alfalfa is not a grass; it is a legume, like clover. They show their food preferences for grasses over clovers, fence lines and steep lands over flat, open areas and will eat the best in a wide area before covering the … Departments & Units   /   :nooo That stupid hurricane flooded our outbuilding and the humidity made almost all my hay somewhat dusty. This grass provides a consistent source of food for your goats once it has grown about 18 inches. Forage quality and feed distribution are improved when an adapted legume (such as white clover or red clover) is grown in association with fescue. I feed all my goats free choice grass hay, minerals, baking soda, and water. Tall Fescue is the most well rounded grass for hay that is available on the market today. It is insect and nematode resistant, tolerates poor soil and climatic conditions well and has a long growing season. Looking to enter a multi year lease agreement which the lessee would fertilize and harvest the hay using acceptable best practices, in return for 50% of … So if it is endophyte free or if it has novel endophytes that don't produce the toxins, is tall fescue a good hay? However, these strains of Fescue are not hardy and are easily killed by weather extremes. Researchers believe that the fungus, which is what makes the plant so hardy, tends to bind copper, zinc, selenium, and cobalt. Tall fescue is an extremely hardy, well-adapted grass species used for hay and pasture in the central and eastern United States and the Pacific Northwest. Tall Fescue is a perennial plant that grows across the United States, from the West Coast to the East Coast, as far south as Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, and northward into Canada. CAFE's Caldbeck and Gilbert Receive Oswald Research and Creativity Awards, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. With good quality hay, 14% protein and up, any additional supplementation will be for energy and can be met with corn. There is some evidence that increasing copper levels in cattle has helped fight Tall Fescue toxicity, but studies have not been done yet on goats. Hutchens said that further supports his opinion that goats are not negatively affected by consuming tall fescue.If goat producers are worried that their livestock may be adversely affected by tall fescue consumption, alternatives do exist.Hutchens said legumes such as red clover, annual/perennial lespedeza or alfalfa can be seeded into tall fescue pastures, therefore diluting tall fescue consumption. Because Tall Fescue is unpalatable, goats usually won't eat it unless they have nothing else from which to choose. The annual forages were being used as a smother crop to eliminate toxic tall fescue, the prominent cool-season grass in South Carolina’s Piedmont region. Soil conservationists and urban dwellers love Tall Fescue because it grows anywhere and requires minimal care. Kellen Weissenbach of Little Platte Farms has been raising goats for more than 20 years and … Most good horse hay will work fine for goats, because it will be palatable and free of dust and mold. I am providing this information so you can consult your goat veterinarian (if you are fortunate enough to have one in your area). Goats should not be grazed extensively on pure stands of clover, due to the risk of bloating from the richness of the forage. There are some strains of Fescue which are endophyte-free (uninfected with the toxic fungus). The plant is so tough that it is impractical to try to kill it off. When feeding hay, know the nutrient content. Whole cottonseed makes an excellent supplement for goats when fed at no more than 0.5 lb/head/day. *I have read that fescue can be poisonous to goats (due to endophytic fungus in the grass, which produces several types of alkaloids that are toxic to animals) but we have never seen any problems in our goats when fed fescue in moderation. Research has indicated that the productivity of goats is higher in a pasture with a diverse array of forage species rather than a mono-stand. Mature goats do very well on a grass-legume mix and some grass hays, but generally do not eat coarse grass hay; having small mouths, goats do not like it. “Some goat producers are becoming concerned with tall fescue because of it’s endophyte problem,” he said. I've found a guy that has some alfalfa/fescue hay. It is very important to use endophyte free varieties. It has no rootstocks (rhizomes). I would feed straight alfalfa but it's $9.50 a bale. Dry does and non- breeding mature bucks will meet their nutritional requirements on low to medium quality forage (10-12% protein and 50-60% TDN). Fescue Hay for Sale. However, goat producers should not worry about that too much, according to University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Goat Production Terry Hutchens.“Some goat producers are becoming concerned with tall fescue because of it’s endophyte problem,” he said. Producers also could move goats from tall fescue to warm season grasses during hot and/or dry months. The colour of good quality hay for goats should be bright green with little fading. Actually it is a productive choice for producing winter hay for goats and other animals. Some does never develop an udder. I am not vet and have no experience with this condition or this product although I have been raising goats since 1990. I learned this year from Don Chenoweth, a goat raiser in Illinois, that his vet prescribed Equidone Gel (Domperidone 2.75 grams) for his pregnant does with Tall Fescue Toxicity. Caprines need roughage in the form of about two to four pounds of hay per day (3% to 4% of body weight) for their rumens to function properly. This can be fed free-choice or twice a day. A diversified crop of annual forage grasses and legumes was strip-grazed by Edward’s horses. Browsemaster is a new grass seed mixture from Barenbrug's Master Series for goat pastures. Selenium with Vitamin E (prescription BoSe) is available in injectable form for goats from veterinarians. Under drought conditions, Tall Fescue continues to grow in pastures where other species have died. America's favorite seed company has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of agricultural, reclamation, turfgrass seed, & Goat Pasture Seed in North America. Some livestock species do not tolerate tall fescue because of its toxic potential. One way to combat this is to not let goats graze on tall fescue fields during summer months. In all cases, it is your responsibility to obtain veterinary services and advice before using any of the information provided in these articles. Suzanne W. Gasparotto, Onion Creek Ranch, Texas 5/4/17. Ple… I would say, though, that timothy, oat, rye, and burmuda would be good choices for any pasture. Early spring growth that is very short may readily be eaten by goats. Ammonia gas treatment can reduce the toxin levels in tall fescue hay. • Health & Management ArticlesChevonTalk Discussion Group • Links • Registration • Meat Goat Mania •. THE ARTICLE MUST BE REPRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THE AUTHOR'S NAME, ADDRESS, AND CONTACT INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REPRINT. Fescue endophyte can persist for up to two years in stored hay, so animals fed KY-31 hay may benefit from supplementary grain and/or an added ration of legume hay to their winter diets. Infected Tall Fescue is high in protein, but it is an unusable protein. It grows well in areas where other forages do not and are easy to maintain. Colour. I've been picking out a few clean bales for the goats, but can't seem to find anymore. All artwork and graphics © DTP, Ink and Onion Creek Ranch. The problem: Tall Fescue is toxic to goats, particularly pregnant goats, as well as sheep, cattle, and horses. Use tall fescue for grazing and hay production. Goats do well on most hays that are considered “horse hay.” As long as the goats are acclimated to them appropriately to avoid stomach upset and founder, “legume hays such as alfalfa, clover, vetch, soybean or lespedeza work very well for kids, as well as pregnant and lactating does.” Alfalfa is enriched with high protein, … However, some goat owners prefer to be safe than sorry. Grass Hay vs. Alfalfa . Unfortunately, tall fescue also has a downside. 267Source: Terry Hutchens 859-257-2465, Laura SkillmanAgricultural Communications Services Director131-A Scovell HallLexington, KY 40546-0064859-323-4761lskillma@email.uky.edu, Students   /   Always use fescue varieties intended for livestock. Native to Europe, tall fescue was brought to the U.S. in the 1800s. Also, using no-tillage crops such as corn, small grain/soybean or Sudan grass helps to eliminate tall fescue from pastures followed by establishment of alternative pasture species or endophyte-free tall fescue. Problems include: 1) Prolonged gestation. But during times when goats can’t browse, they must be fed. [Ranch History] [The Present & Future] [Meat Goat Mania][Registry of Myotonics, Tennessee Meat Goats™ and TexMasters™] [News & Events] [Health and Management Articles] [Links] [ChevonTalk Discussion List] [E-Mail] [Home]. Tall Fescue. Grass hay may contain a blend of different grasses. “But there is very little scientific evidence to support a negative effect for goats consuming tall fescue with high levels of endophyte.”Hutchens said goats appear to successfully breed, give birth and lactate while consuming a diet high in fescue pastures and hay.Research has shown that mowing of seed heads in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by cattle. (A copy of the newsletter or publication would also be a welcome addition to our growing library of goat related information! Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue hay will remain toxic for two years or more. Tall Fescue is easily established, hardy, survives heavy animal traffic, and is somewhat drought resistant. You may hear of types such as timothy hay, orchard grass, canary grass, fescue, etc. Our years of seed experience, combined with recommendations from Florida A&M’s Animal Science specialists, helped us design our seasonal grazing goat forage mix to be exactly what goat enthusiasts have been looking for. Horse breeders sometimes give pregnant mares a selenium injection 30 days prior to the projected due date to help make the foaling difficulties more manageable. Philanthropy & Alumni Farm located in Washinginton county near belgrade, mo with approximately 50 acres of mostly fescue with some clover mixed in. Tall Fescue, whether it is growing in the pasture or baled into hay, contains an alkaloid toxin that is trapped between the cells in the seeds of the plant. It is insect-resistant, tolerates drought, cold, poor soil, foot traffic, and has a long growing season. ADF is a laboratory analysis that measures the cellulose and lignin levels in plants, and lignin is not digestible, so an acid detergent fiber measure that is low - below 35% - is preferable for goats. 5) Unusually thick umbilical cords that are tough to break. When growing tall fescue for forage and hay, make sure it’s a safe, endophyte-free variety. Goats on the other hand favor the seed heads even though the toxins are known to be highest in the seed. 2) Does with little or no milk. Pigs may also be fed hay, but they do not digest it as efficiently as ruminants. Pregnancy-related problems in goats eating Tall Fescue are similar to those of other species. It can cause digestive and respiratory problems, among other things. When growing tall fescue with some clover mixed in intervention in kidding difficulties been... Else from which to choose actually it is insect-resistant, tolerates poor soil and climatic conditions well has! 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