Success StoryFescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm



Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

Author: Samuel Smith

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Forages

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

A central Kentucky thoroughbred horse farm experienced a high incidence of fescue toxicosis symptoms in pregnant and foaling mares during early 2017. The UK Plant and Soil Science Forage Group was contacted by the farm at the advice of the consulting veterinarian. After a farm visit, the farm agreed to a program of pasture evaluation. Fields were sampled for species composition, endophyte infection level, and ergovaline content. After being presented results showing damaging levels of infected tall fescue, the farm began an aggressive program of fescue eradication in some fields and complete re-establishment in two others. They also changed their pasture usage for foaling mares in the 2018 season to avoid exposure to toxic tall fescue.

As a result of the knowledge of fescue presence and fescue eradication in selected pastures, the farm was able to avoid exposing pregnant mares to toxic tall fescue. As a result, The farm experience no difficulty in foaling (dystocia) and fewer thickened placentas (red bags) and no foal losses due to tall fescue in 2018, 2019 or 2020. Dystocia and thickened placentas are indicators of fescue toxicity in pregnant mares.

Fewer fescue-related foal deaths and associated syndromes resulted in four more live foals and greatly reduced veterinary costs in each year compared to 2017. The economic impact of having four more foals in the 2021 foaling season was estimated to be $471,544 using the 2019-2020 three-year average Keeneland September yearling sale figures. The total economic benefit to this farm from adopting UK forage management recommendations exceeds $1.87 million dollars over the four foaling seasons.

In a related outcome, this farm has expanded by purchasing an additional 200 acres to give their existing pastures more rest. These pastures will be sampled for endophyte presence and ergovaline concentration and mares will be stocked accordingly. The farm manager credits the UK Equine Pasture Evaluation Program for the improved ability to manage pastures and control foaling difficulties due to tall fescue.






Stories by Samuel Smith


UK Equine Tall Fescue Workshop

about 5 months ago by Samuel Smith

University of Kentucky Forage Specialists and Associates worked with the national Alliance for Grass... Read More


2024 KY Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

about 5 months ago by Samuel Smith

In 2024, the 43thannual Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference was held in Bowling Green KY o... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

about 5 months ago by Jimmy Henning

Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Chris Teutsc... Read More


Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

about 5 months ago by Jimmy Henning

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred FarmS... Read More