Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Managing ergovaline levels in horse pastures with tall fescue
By Lea, Krista La Moen & Smith, S Ray·Published in Toxins·2021·Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Using On-Farm Monitoring of Ergovaline and Tall Fescue Composition for Horse Pasture Management.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A study found that tall fescue grass in horse pastures can produce a harmful substance called ergovaline, which is especially dangerous for late-term pregnant mares. High levels of ergovaline can lead to serious issues like prolonged pregnancy, thickened placenta, and even death of the mare or foal. By testing the grass for ergovaline and its composition, researchers were able to give specific management advice to horse owners. Following these recommendations helped reduce the toxic effects of tall fescue and improved the overall quality of the pastures.
People also search for: horse pasture management · tall fescue toxicity in pregnant mares · ergovaline effects on horses
Abstract
Central Kentucky horse pastures contain significant populations of tall fescue ((Schreb.) Dumort) infected with an endophyte ((Morgan-Jones and Gams) Bacon and Schardl) known to produce several ergot alkaloids, with ergovaline in the highest concentration. While most classes of horses are not adversely affected by average levels of ergovaline in pastures, late term pregnant mares have a low tolerance to ergovaline and the related ergot alkaloids. Endophyte-infected tall fescue has been known to cause prolonged gestation, thickened placenta, dystocia, agalactia, and foal and mare mortality. The University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program utilizes ergovaline and endophyte testing, as well as pasture species composition, to calculate ergovaline in the total diet in broodmare pastures. This data is used to develop detailed management recommendations for individual pastures. Application of these recommendations has led to reduced tall fescue toxicity symptoms on these farms, as well as improved pasture management and improved forage quality and quantity.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34678976/