Studies have shown that frequent, close grazing can reduce
concentrations of the harmful alkaloid in fungus-infected tall
fescue. Studies have shown that frequent, close grazing can
reduce concentrations of the harmful alkaloid in fungus-infected
tall fescue. But overgrazing isn’t the best way to reduce fescue
toxicity in livestock, says Mark Keaton, University of Arkansas
Extension staff chair in Benton County. He points out that
overgrazing leads to inadequate dry matter availability, and
also may kill any endophyte-free plants in the stand, increasing
the overall infection rate. On the other hand, rotational
grazing allows longer growth periods and increases alkaloid
levels. Nitrogen, either from commercial fertilizer or manure,
also increases forage growth and alkaloid concentrations. “A
grazing system that produces adequate forage availability and
maintains a good legume content with reduced N fertilization
would be more favorable than any benefits of overgrazing,” says
Keaton. Adding clover to an infect