Controlling Fescue

The quickly growing grass and impending warm weather mean that the levels of ergot alkaloids associated with fescue toxicity in cattle and other species will be rising in our pastures. We all know most of problems associated with these alkaloids: slow shedding of winter hair coats, decreased growth of the calf crop, lower reproduction rates in the cows, lowered immune response when challenged and increased levels of heat stress.

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” can be attributed to two products that we carry in our line of minerals. Kent has a product called DiaMune and Hubbard provides FEB 200 to their minerals and in the Crystalyx tubs. Both products are endophyte binders that attach themselves to the ergovaline fescue fungus and it passes out of the animal before it can cause damage. Both products are extremely effective not only animal health wise but cost as well.

If you have any questions and would like to take advantage of our current mineral specials, give your SFG feed specialist a call.