A review of pasture mixes and management strategies to reduce the impact of facial eczema in New Zealand

Abstract

In New Zealand, facial eczema (FE) is a serious health and welfare issue for grazing ruminants caused by ingesting toxic spores of the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum. A literature review of research about the effect of pasture plant species, farm management practices and associated environmental factors on FE in New Zealand, was undertaken. An important outcome of this research has been the development of spore count techniques used on-farm to monitor P. chartarum during the summer/autumn risk period. Other research outcomes include: Reduce pasture litter (decaying herbage) by hard spring grazing, with minimal topping, and use pasture species that reduce litter. Avoid hard grazing during the riskiest autumn period. Minimise grazing of perennial ryegrass dominant pastures by increasing legume content or use the less risky species such as tall fescue. Utilise specialist (non-ryegrass) legume and herb-based pastures that provide less litter, are grazed to higher residuals, and provide high-quality feed.Future FE research should focus on the incorporation of ‘high-quality’ FE-safe species, such as tall fescue, legumes and herbs, into existing farming systems. They can enhance feed supply during the summer/autumn FE risk period but require appropriate management guidelines to maximise production and persistence.