Types of Molds in Dry Horse Feed

The damage cause by moldy horse feed can run the gamut from lethargy and weight loss to colic and death. With their small stomachs, horses lack the ability to vomit, making them highly susceptible to toxins ingested with feed. Supplements for horses, such as dry feed, are often fed with hay to keep horses healthy. To avoid problems caused by molds in dry horse feed, buy from reputable feed dealers and store feed in clean, dry bins.

  1. Aflatoxins

    • Alfatoxins, produced by the Aspergillus spp. fungi, cause liver toxicity in horses. In 2008, feed production was temporarily stopped and dry horse feed was recalled by one of the nation's largest feed producers due to possible aflatoxin contamination. Horses that consume dry horse feed contaminated with alfatoxins might become lethargic and feverish, stop eating and lose weight. Pregnant mares may abort their foals. If liver or kidney damage is irreparable, affected horses may have to be euthanized.

    Mycotoxins

    • Mycotoxins have a more subtle effect than aflatoxins; however, mycotoxins can be responsible for colic, laminitis and reduced fertility. Long-term exposure to mycotoxins can also cause immune suppression, respiratory problems and reduced performance. Due to the numerous potential causes of these conditions, owners and veterinarians may attribute the onset to other factors. Many horses that consume dry feed contaminated with mycotoxins show no signs or symptoms.

    Corn Mold

    • Equine leucoencephalomalacia (ELEM), also known as moldy corn poisoning, is a fatal brain disease caused by fumonisin mold in corn. Horses that consume corn mold suffer from neurological reactions with a 100 percent rate of fatality. There is no known effective treatment. Moldy corn must be ingested for several days or weeks before symptoms will appear. According to veterinarian Steven S. Nicholson, quoted in Delta Farm Press, corn containing levels of fumonisins above one part per million should not be the sole grain fed to horses. To avoid moldy corn poisoning, purchase dry feed from a reputable dealer and only feed corn, if absolutely necessary, as part of a mixed feed such as dry cob (corn, oats and barley).