Treating and Preventing Fescue Toxicity

Summertime is here, bringing hot, humid weather—and unfortunately, hot fescue pastures along with it. Many of us have seen cattle standing in ponds or looking miserable, a common sign of heat stress worsened by fescue toxicity. Luckily, there are tools available to help manage this problem.

Fescue toxicity is caused by a fungal endophyte that lives within the plant. This fungus produces compounds that cause vasoconstriction—narrowing of the blood vessels—which restricts blood flow and makes it harder for cattle to cool down. The impacts can be significant: heat stress, rough hair coats, loss of tail switches, hoof and foot issues, reduced fertility, and lower milk production.

Management Options

There are a few effective ways to help cattle cope:

Capsicum Products
Capsicum, derived from chili peppers, legume extracts, and other natural sources, promotes vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels—which can help reduce body temperature. While Capsicum doesn’t remove fescue toxins from the body, it has proven helpful in reducing heat stress. Capsicum can be added to Crystalxy tubs, SFG custom minerals, or incorporated into feeds and blocks. It’s a great option for cattle under high-stress conditions, including cows on pasture, feedlot cattle, or show animals.

FEB-200 Toxin Binder
FEB-200, an Alltech product available in Hubbard mineral programs, works by binding and removing the fescue toxins from the animal’s system. Unlike Capsicum, FEB-200 doesn’t directly cool the animal but helps prevent toxicity from occurring in the first place, reducing the likelihood of elevated body temperatures and related health issues.

Product Pairing
Both Capsicum and FEB-200 can be found in minerals and tubs. They can also be combined with fly control products or other nutritional additives to help keep your cattle healthy, comfortable, and productive throughout the summer.

Stop by any SFG location or contact your local representative to learn how these products can help your herd handle the challenges of summer grazing.