Are you familiar with the possible effects of fescue on the circulatory system? I understand the resistance to fescue problems can vary with the cow, and with the season/stage of growth of the fescue.
Fescue constricts the blood vessels in the cow's body. This effect can actually cut off circulation to the extremities. Inflammation of the feet is not unusual, nor is gangrene. This problem actually has the name, "fescue foot."
If you can pull them off the fescue for a couple of weeks, you can probably tell if the feed is the problem. There may be ways you can feed to decrease the effect, or you may have a batch of steers that will always have problems with fescue.
There is a lot of information on the web. Try a google search for fescue foot and see what comes up.
> I just bought some steers and
> turned out on grass the same way I
> have for some years now (fescue)
> with no problems but this year
> after having them turned out for 2
> weeks with no problems I have 4
> come up limping and I have noticed
> the rest of them when just
> standing will lift there feet up
> alot like they are burning or
> hurting them in some way...I gave
> the 4 some LA 200 today just
> wondered if you have any
> ideas...thanks..kent