[Jacob-list] Endophyte infected fescue and horn development - Neal?

[Linda]

Am I correct in interpreting this to mean that feeding fescue hay would not have as much of an effect?

Lind
Getting ready for 2006 lambs!
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn

On Fri, 26 Aug 2005 12:25:25 EDT, Jacobflock at aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 8/23/2005 7:01:11 PM Central Standard Time,
> patchworkfibers at alltel.net writes:

>>
>
> I know that this was specifically noted for Neal to answer and it
> is a rather complex issue.  Basically, the answer is yes; hoof and
> horn development can be affected by fesuce and certainly endophyet
> infected fescue.  The exposure to lush/moisture laden pasture
> (often in the Spring and the new lamb crop), particullarly fescue
> and even rye grass and clover, can have adverse effects.  The
> fescue ergots tend to reduce blood flow and this reduced blood flow
> is more often seen in hoof and horn development.  The problem is a
> stomach (rumen?) problem related to the uptake of copper andf zinc
> which are necessary for the blood system and the formation of
> keratin.  Endophyte fescue as weel as rye and clover, espcecially
> when it is lush and wet allows the sheep to eat pasture without as
> much saliva as would be used on a dry, less lush pasture. 
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