Originally Posted by 1minute
Quote
cowman to ask about Fescue ergot poisoning


A neighbor lost a couple hundred head a few winters back when he shipped in tons of cheap fescue straw from the Williamette Valley grass seed fields. He was warned to cut with local grass hay, but thought he could get by. Feet started freezing when we dipped into our typical winter cold snap. Not a pretty sight, and thankfully the press did not become aware and take pictures.


Fescue can be a mother for cattle not accustomed to it. I bought 59 head off the University of Arkansas last year. By Fall 24 pregged open. Hard lesson learned. Never even thought to ask as they are so close to me. But they run on a bermuda and bluestem forage base in the summer. I had a bull break his leg 4 days into season last year and had to buy a bull in a hurry. I have his turnout picture and 90ish day later picture. Looked like he was starving with grass in abundance. Had 2 of them melt like that last year. The cows raised here just keep chugging along though.