Fescue toxicosis is caused by an endophytic fungus which infects tall fescue grass. The first conclusive evidence of this endophyte fungus was reported in 1977. The first conclusive evidence linking endophyte-infected fescue with reproductive abnormalities in mares was reported in 1988.
Gravid mares grazing fescue may exhibit the following symptoms:
- increased gestations lengths
- agalactia (no or low-level milk production)
- tough and thickened placentas
- weak and dysmature foals
- reduced serum prolactin levels
- reduced progesterone levels
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