> Regarding fescue and pregnant mares:

> Not only does the endophyte in fescue adversely impact milk production
> and affect the amniotic sac (I may be wrong about the term, but I
> think I remember hearing that it toughens the sac and makes it
> difficult for the foal to break free once it is out of the dam), but
> it also delays parturition, resulting in oversized foals and
> dystocias. I recommend being on hand at delivery for any mare exposed
> to fescue during late pregnancy. Domperidone will stimulate milk
> production, but I don't know how useful it is against the other
> problems. Get her off the fescue as soon as possible. That said, not
> all mares are affected equally. I had a paso fino mare grazing the
> same (fescue-containing) pasture as another mare. My mare had plenty
> of milk, "normal" length of gestation and an uneventful delivery. The
> other mare, a thoroughbred, had a much longer gestation, no milk and a
> difficult delivery that required human assistance.

Susan Robinson


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