Cool-Season Grass for Horses: Beyond Kentucky 31 Fescue

The Fescue Toxicosis Problem

Kentucky 31 tall fescue is the standard cool-season pasture grass, but it harbors a naturally occurring endophyte fungus that causes fescue toxicosis in horses—leading to poor weight gain, reproductive issues, and heat intolerance.

Management Strategies

• Dilute with legumes: Overseed clover annually to reduce fescue dominance and improve nutrition.
• Consider novel endophyte varieties: 'MaxQ', 'Texoma MaxQ II', and 'Estancia ArkShield' contain non-toxic endophytes.
• Rotate pastures: Limit grazing on infected fescue during peak summer heat.

Resources

Detailed guidelines at Pastures in Georgia (UGA Extension). Test your pasture's infection level before making changes.