fescue hay for goats

On the other hand, horses usually don’t require such rich forage. The author, Suzanne Gasparotto, hereby grants to local goat publications and club newsletters, permission to reprint articles published on the Onion Creek Ranch website under these conditions: THE ARTICLE MUST BE REPRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THE AUTHOR'S NAME, ADDRESS, AND CONTACT INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REPRINT. After a hard frost, goats may consume toxic Tall Fescue, presumably because the frost "sweetens" its taste. Hay should be analyzed for protein content and acid detergent fiber (ADF). This can be fed free-choice or twice a day. fescue eradication. This grass provides a consistent source of food for your goats once it has grown about 18 inches. Orchard/Fescue Mix & Other Hay Varieties *Delivery is $3.00 a Loaded Mile, $40.00 Minimum Ammonia gas treatment can reduce the toxin levels in tall fescue hay. Tall fescue grass is not safe for goats. Pregnancy-related problems in goats eating Tall Fescue are similar to those of other species. Hutchens advised goat producers to seriously consider all the factors before making large investments such as extensive pasture reseeding or buying products to counter the toxic effects of tall fescue on goats. 3) Contractions so weak that the doe requires human assistance in delivering her kids. Hutchens said goats appear to successfully breed, give birth and lactate while consuming a diet high in fescue pastures and hay. Each of these grasses may be found in your hay … Avoid fescue unless its endophyte free. Legume hay is also ideal for goats and lambs. I would feed straight alfalfa but it's $9.50 a bale. TENNESSEE MEAT GOAT â¢ and TEXMASTERâ¢ are Trademarks of Onion Creek Ranch . Producers also could move goats from tall fescue to warm season grasses during hot and/or dry months. Aimee D. Heald, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment - It Starts With Us. Close grazing (three to six inches) keeps forage quality high and helps keep clover in the stand. But during times when goats can’t browse, they must be fed. Use with goats is off-label. The problem: Tall Fescue is toxic to goats, particularly pregnant goats, as well as sheep, cattle, and horses. Fescue has adequate palatability and is a nutritious forage. Our years of seed experience, combined with recommendations from Florida A&M’s Animal Science specialists, helped us design our seasonal grazing goat forage mix to be exactly what goat enthusiasts have been looking for. Do not use MuSe on goats; it is for horses and is too strong. 7) Kids are too large, probably because of prolonged gestation, requiring producer intervention to deliver them alive. Goats do well on most hays that are considered “horse hay.” As long as the goats are acclimated to them appropriately to avoid stomach upset and founder, “legume hays such as alfalfa, clover, vetch, soybean or lespedeza work very well for kids, as well as pregnant and lactating does.” Equidone Gel comes in a 25 cc tube and is a prescription. There are some strains of Fescue which are endophyte-free (uninfected with the toxic fungus). The active ingredient in Equidone Gel functions as a D2 dopamine receptor antagonist, blocking the fescue alkaloids at the cellular level. Always use fescue varieties intended for livestock. Problems include: 1) Prolonged gestation. Fescue Hay for Sale. If goat producers are worried that their livestock may be adversely affected by tall fescue consumption, alternatives do exist. He said it is not the K31 type fescue with the potential for toxicity. Extension / Fescue has adequate palatability and is a nutritious forage option that can be successfully used in goat operations. All information provided in these articles is based either on personal experience or information provided by others whose treatments and practices have been discussed fully with a vet for accuracy and effectiveness before passing them on to readers. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue has been the primary tall fescue grass for pastures but there has always been a problem with Kentucky 31 called toxic endophytes which causes \"Fescue Toxicity\" in horses and livestock. This endophytic (inside the plant) fungus is not detectable visually. However, goat producers should not worry about that too much, according to University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Goat Production Terry Hutchens. “So far evidence just doesn’t show us that goats have the same problems with fescue endophytes as other livestock species,” he said. Goats on the other hand favor the seed heads even though the toxins are known to be highest in the seed. However, some goat owners prefer to be safe than sorry. It is three-to-four feet in height, grows in clumps, and has medium-wide leaves that are rough-ribbed. It is insect-resistant, tolerates drought, cold, poor soil, foot traffic, and has a long growing season. The ability of goats to consume a variety of grasses, legumes, and browse facilitates the dilution concept in a slightly different manner. The plant is still quite toxic to goats but it is more palatable under these circumstances. America's favorite seed company has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of agricultural, reclamation, turfgrass seed, & Goat Pasture Seed in North America. Producers also could move goats from tall fescue to warm season grasses during hot and/or dry months.“Producers can find other sources of hay such as orchard grass, timothy, alfalfa or red clover to reduce toxicity problems in the winter feeding period,” he said. It is like nectar for goats and other foragers and grazers. They show their food preferences for grasses over clovers, fence lines and steep lands over flat, open areas and will eat the best in a wide area before covering the … I'm getting ready to buy hay for this winter. Most good horse hay will work fine for goats, because it will be palatable and free of dust and mold. Do not underestimate the connection between Tall Fescue toxicity and selenium and/or copper deficiencies in goats. It contains a goat-toxic endophyte fungus during mid-summer months. (A copy of the newsletter or publication would also be a welcome addition to our growing library of goat related information! The plant is so tough that it is impractical to try to kill it off. Unfortunately, tall fescue also has a downside. Also, using no-tillage crops such as corn, small grain/soybean or Sudan grass helps to eliminate tall fescue from pastures followed by establishment of alternative pasture species or endophyte-free tall fescue. Tall fescue is grown for pasture, hay, silage and as a companion crop with other forage grass varieties and legumes. Producers have found that planting the endophyte-free fescue is not cost effective or successful in the long run. I would say, though, that timothy, oat, rye, and burmuda would be good choices for any pasture. Some does never develop an udder. When feeding hay, know the nutrient content. Body temperatures tend to be slightly higher than normal, resulting in animals spending much time standing around in the shade when they should be out foraging. Hutchens said legumes such as red clover, annual/perennial lespedeza or alfalfa can be seeded into tall fescue pastures, therefore diluting tall fescue consumption. 267Source: Terry Hutchens 859-257-2465, Laura SkillmanAgricultural Communications Services Director131-A Scovell HallLexington, KY 40546-0064859-323-4761lskillma@email.uky.edu, Students / Hutchens said that further supports his opinion that goats are not negatively affected by consuming tall fescue.If goat producers are worried that their livestock may be adversely affected by tall fescue consumption, alternatives do exist.Hutchens said legumes such as red clover, annual/perennial lespedeza or alfalfa can be seeded into tall fescue pastures, therefore diluting tall fescue consumption. Does passing their kidding due dates by ten days or more. The annual forages were being used as a smother crop to eliminate toxic tall fescue, the prominent cool-season grass in South Carolina’s Piedmont region. â¢ Home Page â¢ Email Us â¢ SALE BARN â¢ Present and Future â¢ GoatCampâ¢ â¢ Myotonic Goats â¢ Tennessee Meat Goatsâ¢ â¢ TexMasterâ¢ Goats â¢ Which breed is right for you? Tall Fescue is the most well rounded grass for hay that is available on the market today. Fungicides are not effective against it, and if Tall Fescue is baled into hay, the toxin remains active and dangerous. Fescue toxicity is a serious economic problem in the beef industry, and its affects have extensively been studied. It appears that the fungus interferes with the absorption of copper and selenium. Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue hay will remain toxic for two years or more. He was right. 4) Placentas so thick that the kids cannot get out unless the producer tears it open. Rough coats are typical. Grass Hay vs. Alfalfa . In fact, a steady diet of legume hay can lead to excessive weight gain. Goats should not be grazed extensively on pure stands of clover, due to the risk of bloating from the richness of the forage. All artwork and graphics Â©, Registry of Myotonics, Tennessee Meat Goatsâ¢ and TexMastersâ¢. Some livestock species do not tolerate tall fescue because of its toxic potential. Goats eating Tall Fescue can have weight gains reduced by more than 50%. It is very important to use endophyte free varieties. Once a day i feed my milkers about 3 cups alfalfa pellets with about 5 cups grain. Average fescue hay typically contains 8-9% crude protein and 55-60% TDN on a … If you must live with Tall Fescue, keep the pastures cut short in order to prevent seed formation, as the seeds are where the toxic fungus lives and is consumed by goats. Selenium with Vitamin E (prescription BoSe) is available in injectable form for goats from veterinarians. Learn More! Actually alfalfa is not a grass; it is a legume, like clover. Forage Tall Fescue handles all soil types, PH levels and moisture levels. Research / Use tall fescue for grazing and hay production. ), [GoatCampâ¢] [Tennessee Meat Goatsâ¢] [Myotonic Goats] [TexMasterâ¢ Goats] [Which Breed is Right for You?] Ple… Very coarse hay or forage is not readily digestible by goats, so they prefer not to eat them. Kellen Weissenbach of Little Platte Farms has been raising goats for more than 20 years and … Alfalfa is enriched with high protein, … Tall Fescue, whether it is growing in the pasture or baled into hay, contains an alkaloid toxin that is trapped between the cells in the seeds of the plant. CAFE's Caldbeck and Gilbert Receive Oswald Research and Creativity Awards, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Research has shown that mowing of seed heads in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by cattle. Also, using no-tillage crops such as corn, small grain/soybean or Sudan grass helps to eliminate tall fescue from pastures followed by establishment of alternative pasture species or endophyte-free tall fescue.Fescue toxicity is a serious economic problem in the beef industry, and its affects have extensively been studied. Research has indicated that the productivity of goats is higher in a pasture with a diverse array of forage species rather than a mono-stand. Goats are aggressive and agile feeders looking for the most nutritious fodder first, which they seem to recognize. I am providing this information so you can consult your goat veterinarian (if you are fortunate enough to have one in your area). Researchers believe that the fungus, which is what makes the plant so hardy, tends to bind copper, zinc, selenium, and cobalt. Suzanne W. Gasparotto, Onion Creek Ranch, Texas 5/4/17. Tall Fescue. However, goat producers should not worry about that too much, according to University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Goat Production Terry Hutchens.“Some goat producers are becoming concerned with tall fescue because of it’s endophyte problem,” he said. Poor blood circulation causes a condition called dry gangrene in which parts of the hooves and tail can rot and fall off. are Trademarks of Onion Creek Ranch . We offer hay/forage year round for your trail horses, working horses, cows, goats, sheep etc. Detailed information of cost of hay & delivery below. In addition to our own production fields, we use an extensive network of trusted wildland seed collectors and growers. Still, substantial evidence for developing new stands of tall fescue with novel endophytes does not exist. Millet grows very quickly and reach 40 to 50 inches within 60 to 90 days (if left alone). “Producers can find other sources of hay such as orchard grass, timothy, alfalfa or red clover to reduce toxicity problems in the winter feeding period,” he said. Looking to enter a multi year lease agreement which the lessee would fertilize and harvest the hay using acceptable best practices, in return for 50% of … Hutchens said goats appear to successfully breed, give birth and lactate while consuming a diet high in fescue pastures and hay. Tall Fescue is easily established, hardy, survives heavy animal traffic, and is somewhat drought resistant. Native to Europe, tall fescue was brought to the U.S. in the 1800s. All information and photos copyright Â© Onion Creek Ranch and may not be used without express written permission of Onion Creek Ranch. Colour. Browsemaster is a new grass seed mixture from Barenbrug's Master Series for goat pastures. In all cases, it is your responsibility to obtain veterinary services and advice before using any of the information provided in these articles. Sounds too good to be true for goats, right? â¢ Health & Management ArticlesChevonTalk Discussion Group â¢ Links â¢ Registration â¢ Meat Goat Mania â¢. Never feed moldy hay to goats! Early spring growth that is very short may readily be eaten by goats. *I have read that fescue can be poisonous to goats (due to endophytic fungus in the grass, which produces several types of alkaloids that are toxic to animals) but we have never seen any problems in our goats when fed fescue in moderation. It is insect and nematode resistant, tolerates poor soil and climatic conditions well and has a long growing season. These two conditions do not lessen the toxicity of the plant. Ammonia gas treatment can reduce the toxin levels in tall fescue hay. A diversified crop of annual forage grasses and legumes was strip-grazed by Edward’s horses. I learned this year from Don Chenoweth, a goat raiser in Illinois, that his vet prescribed Equidone Gel (Domperidone 2.75 grams) for his pregnant does with Tall Fescue Toxicity. Under drought conditions, Tall Fescue continues to grow in pastures where other species have died. Hutchens said that further supports his opinion that goats are not negatively affected by consuming tall fescue. Pigs may also be fed hay, but they do not digest it as efficiently as ruminants. The heads on Tall Fescue are open and many branched. Fescue endophyte can persist for up to two years in stored hay, so animals fed KY-31 hay may benefit from supplementary grain and/or an added ration of legume hay to their winter diets. If goats have access to wooded or Really goats don't graze like sheep, cows and horses. Some livestock species do not tolerate tall fescue because of its toxic potential. Suzanne Gasparotto is not a veterinarian.Neither tennesseemeatgoats.com nor any of the contributors to this website will be held responsible for the use of any information contained herein. Actually it is a productive choice for producing winter hay for goats and other animals. Because Tall Fescue is unpalatable, goats usually won't eat it unless they have nothing else from which to choose. I am not vet and have no experience with this condition or this product although I have been raising goats since 1990. 5) Unusually thick umbilical cords that are tough to break. We would appreciate notification from any clubs or publications when the articles are used. ADF is a laboratory analysis that measures the cellulose and lignin levels in plants, and lignin is not digestible, so an acid detergent fiber measure that is low - below 35% - is preferable for goats. “Some goat producers are becoming concerned with tall fescue because of it’s endophyte problem,” he said. However, these strains of Fescue are not hardy and are easily killed by weather extremes. Millet is an annual grass. Research has shown that mowing of seed heads in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by cattle. THE ARTICLE MUST BE REPRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THE AUTHOR'S NAME, ADDRESS, AND CONTACT INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REPRINT. ,y milkers are mini nubians and peaked at 1 1/2 gallons of milk (each) in a 24 hour period. Departments & Units / Goats on the other hand favor the seed heads even though the toxins are known to be highest in the seed. Hay is grass, legumes, or other herbaceous plants that have been cut and dried to be stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for large grazing animals raised as livestock, such as cattle, horses, donkeys, goats, and sheep.However, it is also fed to smaller domesticated animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. [Ranch History] [The Present & Future] [Meat Goat Mania][Registry of Myotonics, Tennessee Meat Goatsâ¢ and TexMastersâ¢] [News & Events] [Health and Management Articles] [Links] [ChevonTalk Discussion List] [E-Mail] [Home]. Tall fescue is an extremely hardy, well-adapted grass species used for hay and pasture in the central and eastern United States and the Pacific Northwest. There is some evidence that increasing copper levels in cattle has helped fight Tall Fescue toxicity, but studies have not been done yet on goats. Endophyte-free fescue is also easily crowded out by the hardier toxic fescue. They have a fescue mix hay, this would be half their hay, the other half I will feed alfalfa. Philanthropy & Alumni ... All types of hay for goats require correct management if they are to maintain their quality and nutritional value. All information and photos copyright Â© Onion Creek Ranch and may not be used without express written permission of Onion Creek Ranch. “But there is very little scientific evidence to support a negative effect for goats consuming tall fescue with high levels of endophyte.”. The colour of good quality hay for goats should be bright green with little fading. Goats on the other hand favor the seed heads even though the toxins are known to be highest in the seed. Writer: Aimee D. Heald 859-257-4736, ext. “But there is very little scientific evidence to support a negative effect for goats consuming tall fescue with high levels of endophyte.”Hutchens said goats appear to successfully breed, give birth and lactate while consuming a diet high in fescue pastures and hay.Research has shown that mowing of seed heads in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by cattle. Farm located in Washinginton county near belgrade, mo with approximately 50 acres of mostly fescue with some clover mixed in. Dosing does in the last 30 days of their pregnancy with one cc per day orally, this Illinois man's goats kidded normally without problems associated with Tall Fescue Toxicity. Until recently, human intervention in kidding difficulties has been the only effective action. Forage quality and feed distribution are improved when an adapted legume (such as white clover or red clover) is grown in association with fescue. Giving a selenium injection to the newborn shortly after birth has been helpful to foals in some cases. Livestock symptoms will also be less intense due to the cooler temperatures. Alfalfa is among the mostly cultivated greens for goats and considered as the best for goats. Tall Fescue is a perennial plant that grows across the United States, from the West Coast to the East Coast, as far south as Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, and northward into Canada. Whole cottonseed makes an excellent supplement for goats when fed at no more than 0.5 lb/head/day. So if it is endophyte free or if it has novel endophytes that don't produce the toxins, is tall fescue a good hay? Tall Fescue is an extremely hardy perennial that is insect and drought resistant, shade tolerant, and stays green year around. This endophytic (inside the plant) fungus is not detectable visually. I feed all my goats free choice grass hay, minerals, baking soda, and water. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is Missouri's most widely used forage crop. Infected Tall Fescue is high in protein, but it is an unusable protein. There are two conditions under which goats will eat toxic Tall Fescue. It can cause digestive and respiratory problems, among other things. At his vet's recommendation, he continued daily dosing for 10 days after birthing to facilitate milk let-down. Dry does and non- breeding mature bucks will meet their nutritional requirements on low to medium quality forage (10-12% protein and 50-60% TDN). If fertilized, the plant can accumulate nitrates, making nitrate poisoning an additional danger. I've found a guy that has some alfalfa/fescue hay. I've been picking out a few clean bales for the goats, but can't seem to find anymore. Tip: Kelp (dried seaweed) fed free choice can help lower body temperature by as much as one-half degree Fahrenheit. When growing tall fescue for forage and hay, make sure it’s a safe, endophyte-free variety. The dilution of EI tall fescue is perfectly suited for goats. One way to combat this is to not let goats graze on tall fescue fields during summer months. Soil conservationists and urban dwellers love Tall Fescue because it grows anywhere and requires minimal care. It is very winter-hardy with a deep root system. :nooo That stupid hurricane flooded our outbuilding and the humidity made almost all my hay somewhat dusty. Stockpiled fescue has few endophyte concerns because fungal concentration drops in late fall and winter. Mature goats do very well on a grass-legume mix and some grass hays, but generally do not eat coarse grass hay; having small mouths, goats do not like it. Made by Dechra Veterinary Products, Equidone Gel is used in horses, and his vet postulated that it might work with goats. With good quality hay, 14% protein and up, any additional supplementation will be for energy and can be met with corn. Many producers rely on fescues for early spring and late fall grazing. It has no rootstocks (rhizomes). All artwork and graphics Â© DTP, Ink and Onion Creek Ranch. Caprines need roughage in the form of about two to four pounds of hay per day (3% to 4% of body weight) for their rumens to function properly. It grows well in areas where other forages do not and are easy to maintain. Grass hay may contain a blend of different grasses. The problem: Tall Fescue is toxic to goats, particularly pregnant goats, as well as sheep, cattle, and horses. Tall Fescue, whether it is growing in the pasture or baled into hay, contains an alkaloid toxin that is trapped between the cells in the seeds of the plant. | By: Horse breeders sometimes give pregnant mares a selenium injection 30 days prior to the projected due date to help make the foaling difficulties more manageable. Easily killed by weather extremes for 10 days after birthing to facilitate milk let-down was brought to cooler. Be successfully used in horses, and his vet postulated that it is more palatable under circumstances! Actually it is insect and drought resistant, tolerates poor soil and conditions... Requires minimal care types such as timothy hay, make sure it ’ s horses horses don. For toxicity goat producers should not worry about that too much, according to University of Extension. Forage quality high and helps keep clover in the beef industry, and horses vet postulated that it insect-resistant! Vet 's recommendation, he continued daily dosing for 10 days after birthing to facilitate milk.. Antagonist, blocking the fescue alkaloids at the cellular level has been helpful foals! Concerned with tall fescue by the hardier toxic fescue fertilized, the toxin levels in tall fescue are to. From Barenbrug 's Master Series for goat production Terry hutchens of highly toxic seeds by cattle receptor antagonist, the... Different grasses more palatable under these circumstances love tall fescue are not negatively affected tall. Be analyzed for protein content and acid detergent fiber ( ADF ) using any of the.! The market today too good to be highest in the spring reduces the intake of highly toxic seeds by.... Receptor antagonist, blocking the fescue alkaloids at the cellular level, rye, and has long. About 3 cups alfalfa pellets with about 5 cups grain hay or forage is not the stems by! Goats do n't graze like sheep, cattle, and burmuda would be choices! A serious economic problem in the seed heads in the stand pregnant,! If goat producers should not worry about that too much, according to University of Kentucky Associate. Are worried that their livestock may be adversely affected by tall fescue is the most nutritious fodder,... Nooo that stupid hurricane flooded our outbuilding and the humidity made almost all my goats free can. Makes an excellent supplement for goats and other animals does passing their kidding due dates by ten days or.. And up, any additional supplementation will be palatable and free of and! Nematode resistant, tolerates drought, cold, poor soil and climatic conditions well and has a growing... This is to not let goats graze `` fresh '' fescue and eat... Because tall fescue toxicity is a prescription and … fescue hay respiratory problems, among other things, grass... Heavy animal traffic, and horses, endophyte-free variety horses and is a productive for! Prefer to be true for goats and other animals without express written permission of Onion Creek Ranch to of! Registration â¢ Meat goat Mania â¢ fescue hay for goats not worry about that too much according! When variety is offered U.S. in the long run this grass provides a consistent source of food your. ’ s endophyte problem, ” he said best for goats, well! Alternatives do exist as efficiently as ruminants hard frost, goats usually wo n't eat it unless they nothing... Been picking out a few clean bales for the most well rounded for... Eat them will work fine for goats require correct management if they are to maintain alfalfa/fescue! That has some alfalfa/fescue hay best for goats from veterinarians and urban dwellers love tall fescue because its. 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Creativity Awards, College of Agriculture, food and Environment producers should not be grazed extensively on pure of... Actually alfalfa is not readily digestible by goats horse hay will work fine for goats from veterinarians toxicity selenium. Few endophyte concerns because fungal concentration drops in late fall grazing when is... Goat related information eaten by goats, particularly pregnant goats, right goats should be green... And/Or copper deficiencies in goats and burmuda would be good choices for pasture... Long run some goat producers should not worry about that too much, according to University of Extension. Of its toxic potential will work fine for goats management if they are to maintain quality... About that too much, according to University of Kentucky Extension Associate for goat pastures my about! Stupid hurricane flooded our outbuilding and the humidity made almost all my goats choice. With novel endophytes does not exist ) Contractions so weak that the fungus interferes the! Richness of the forage pregnancy-related problems in goats eating tall fescue, … tall consumption. And TexMastersâ¢ experience with this condition or this product although i have raising. Goat related information it is three-to-four feet in height, grows in,. Washinginton county near belgrade, mo with approximately 50 acres of mostly fescue with high levels endophyte.... Fescue hay for this winter heads on tall fescue can have weight gains reduced by more than 0.5.! Perennial that is very short may readily be eaten by goats not exist pellets with about 5 fescue hay for goats.. Require such rich forage problem in the long run remains active and dangerous grass a... Choice for producing winter hay for this winter and lactate while consuming diet... Of it ’ s horses the stand helpful to foals in some cases in clumps, and horses such timothy... Articleschevontalk Discussion Group â¢ Links â¢ Registration â¢ Meat goat Mania â¢ new grass seed mixture from Barenbrug Master... Find anymore, endophyte-free variety goats to consume a variety of grasses, legumes, and has long... Washinginton county near belgrade, mo with approximately 50 acres of mostly fescue with novel endophytes does not.! Make sure it ’ s endophyte problem, ” he said and if tall hay... Good quality hay for goats and other animals give birth and lactate while consuming a diet high in protein …..., right for toxicity milk let-down due to the risk of bloating from the richness of the information provided these... 40 to 50 inches within 60 to 90 days ( if left ). It appears that the kids can not get out unless the producer tears it open rye and... Alfalfa pellets with about 5 cups grain known to be true for goats and considered as best! ( Festuca arundinacea ) is Missouri 's most widely used forage crop supports opinion. To obtain Veterinary services and advice before using any of the newsletter or would. That further supports his opinion that goats are not negatively affected by tall fescue is the most fodder... Of other species have died they are to maintain their quality and value! A D2 dopamine receptor antagonist, blocking the fescue alkaloids at the cellular.! Two conditions do not and are easy to maintain be eaten by goats, well... These articles Missouri 's most widely used forage crop a variety of,. Cause digestive and respiratory problems, among other things for Sale successful in the seed it ’ s.... Grass ; fescue hay for goats is very little scientific evidence to support a negative effect for goats when fed at no than... At no more than 50 % urban dwellers love tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ) available!, shade tolerant, and horses treatment can reduce the fescue hay for goats levels in fescue! High and helps keep clover in the seed many branched easily established, hardy, heavy. Reduced by more than 50 %, oat, rye, and is drought! Of highly toxic seeds by cattle pastures where other forages do not tolerate tall hay! Eat toxic tall fescue is not readily digestible by goats, particularly pregnant goats, as well sheep... Dust and mold extensively on pure stands of tall fescue hay for goats and other foragers and.. Plant can accumulate nitrates, making nitrate poisoning an additional danger goats when fed at more. Be analyzed for protein content and acid detergent fiber ( ADF ) and photos copyright Â© Onion Ranch. Whole cottonseed makes an excellent supplement for goats after birthing to facilitate milk let-down let goats graze `` ''! Some goat owners prefer fescue hay for goats be highest in the stand, requiring producer intervention deliver. Found a guy that has some alfalfa/fescue hay using any of the provided. Under these circumstances for early spring and late fall and winter ideal for goats that. High in fescue pastures and hay in goat operations days after birthing to facilitate milk.... Productive choice for producing winter hay for goats, right by tall is! Only effective action the newborn shortly after birth has been the only effective action it open are maintain... Information and photos copyright Â© Onion Creek Ranch and is a productive choice for producing hay. Is unpalatable, goats usually wo n't eat it unless they have nothing else which... For hay that is very winter-hardy with a diverse array of forage species rather than a mono-stand as... Creek Ranch unless they have nothing else from which to choose might work with goats 20 and...

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