Fescue is the most important cool-season grass in the United States with about 35 million acres planted nationally and 600,000 acres in Mississippi. Fescue toxicity results from an invisible fungus in the grass, primarily when the grass is growing rapidly. Unlike horses, cattle may experience problems related to blood circulation. Commonly called fescue foot, cows may become lame or actually lose their feet or tails because of poor circulation. The damaging effects of fescue can be lessened by diluting it with other forages or feeds.
Pasture rotation is another effective management technique.
If eliminating fescue isn't an option, veterinarians have domperidone oral supplements they can give to protect the animals. When a foal is produced while the mother is on fescue, owners may need veterinarians to give the baby plasma if the first milk is not available and to give the mare a prescribed medicine to help her milk develop. They are very dependent on the colostrum, or first milk, for protection against infection. Fungus-free fescue varieties are available for livestock. The original fescue with the fungus continues to be available because it appeals to turf managers and others for its resistance to certain pests.