Types of Molds Caused by Dry Horse Feed

Horse owners have a lot invested in their animals, both financially and personally. Many horse owners and barn managers choose to supplement hay with dry horse feed. While usually safe, dry horse feed must be properly manufactured and stored to avoid certain molds that can sicken or even kill a horse. Some molds may be apparent in feeds by smell or visual inspection. Never feed a horse any dry feed that appears moldy. When in doubt, throw it out.

  1. Corn Mold

    • Younger horses may be more affected by certain toxins in feed.

      While corn is a high-energy feed for horses, moldy corn can have dire results. Fumonisin molds in corn may lead to fatal brain disease. Commonly referred to as moldy corn poisoning, equine leucoencephalomalacia as it is properly known causes neurological reactions that are 100 percent fatal. Horses must ingest the moldy corn for at least several days before symptoms appear. If corn must be fed, have it tested before feeding to equines.

    Aflatoxins

    • Alfatoxins found in horse feed cause toxicity in the liver. In 2008, one of the country's largest dry horse feed producers recalled products made at several plants due to possible aflatoxin mold contamination. Horses affected by aflatoxin mold contamination may go off their feed, appear lethargic, loose weight, run fevers and in the case of pregnant mares, abort their foals. In a worst-case scenario, the horse may die or have to be euthanized due to liver or kidney damage. Aflatoxins are produced by the Aspergillus spp. fungi.

    Mycotoxins

    • Unlike some of the other molds in dry horse feeds, the effect of various mycotoxins are more subtle on the horse's health. Mycotoxins may be responsible for colic, appetite suppression, laminitis and fertility reduction. The onset of these conditions are usually attributed to other factors by owners and veterinarians. In many horses, the mycotoxins do no obvious damage. To avoid mycotoxins in dry horse feed, buy from reputable feed dealers, store feed in clean bins and have a feed analysis done if horses are not thriving.