More than 85 percent of Oklahoma's fescue is infected with an endophyte that can cause health problems in horses. Unfortunately, ridding pastures of fescue is difficult, time-consuming and expensive. Tall fescue is a cool-season, perennial bunchgrass that grows best when the average temperature is greater than 45 degrees Fahrenheit but less than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for Oklahoma.
Fescue typically has a split growing season in Oklahoma.
Fescue-related problems in horses center around the broodmare, as growth research trials have shown different results and provide fairly straightforward recommendations. If growing horses on fescue are exhibiting poor growth, producers should supplement fescue intake with grain or hays to increase energy intake. Difficulties with broodmares are more complicated. Pregnant mares do not exhibit increases in body temperature or symptoms related to necrosis of tissue. Lack of milk production seems to be the most consistently observed fescue-related problem.