Both Stance Equitec Toxfree Toxin Binder and Alltech Mycosorb A+ are equine mycotoxin binders designed to reduce the harmful effects of mycotoxins in horses, but they differ in composition, scope, and additional benefits.
Key Differences
1. Composition
- A single-ingredient product from Alltech, consisting of a specific strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inner cell wall and algae meal (e.g., Chlorella vulgaris).
- Designed specifically to bind a wide range of mycotoxins, including polar and non-polar types, by adsorbing them in the digestive tract for excretion.
- A proprietary blend that includes a full dose of Mycosorb A+ plus additional ingredients: Actigen (a yeast prebiotic with Mannan Oligosaccharides, MOS), Ecocell (another yeast strain), and PowerStance (powdered coconut oil).
- Offers broader functionality beyond mycotoxin binding, targeting additional toxins, gut health, and antimicrobial benefits.
2. Binding Scope:
Mycosorb A+:
- Focuses exclusively on mycotoxin binding, with a broad adsorption profile for both polar and non-polar mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxins, fusariums)
- Effective at low inclusion rates, making it a concentrated solution for mycotoxin-specific issues.
- Binds a wider range of toxins, including mycotoxins and other harmful bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella) due to Actigen’s prebiotic action.
- Designed to address both polar and non-polar mycotoxins, similar to Mycosorb A+, but with enhanced toxin-binding capacity from its multi-ingredient formula.
3. Additional Ingredients and Functions:
Mycosorb A+:
- No additional ingredients, so it lacks prebiotic or antimicrobial properties.
Solely focused on mycotoxin neutralization without supporting broader digestive or immune health.
Stance Equitec Toxin Binder:
- Actigen and Ecocell: Contain MOS, which act as prebiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria in the hindgut and may enhance immune function in the digestive tract. These also bind harmful bacteria, reducing their impact.
- PowerStance: Provides lauric acid from coconut oil, which has potential antimicrobial properties, supports skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining appetite and normal digestive function.
4. Formulation Purpose:
Mycosorb A+:
- A targeted, single-purpose mycotoxin binder for horses exposed to contaminated feed or pastures (e.g., paspalum, ryegrass, clover).
Ideal for situations where mycotoxin contamination is the primary concern.
Stance Equitec Toxin Binder:
- A multi-purpose supplement addressing mycotoxins, gut health, bacterial toxins, and overall well-being.
- Suited for horses with complex symptoms potentially linked to mycotoxins, poor gut health, or environmental stressors.
5. Benefits
Mycosorb A+ Benefits:
- Highly Effective Mycotoxin Binding: Proven to bind a wide range of mycotoxins, reducing their absorption in the digestive tract and mitigating risks like neurological issues (e.g., staggers), gastrointestinal problems, or immune suppression.
- Fast-Acting: Works quickly to neutralize mycotoxins, supporting overall performance with low inclusion rates (economical dosing).
- Simple and Targeted: Ideal for horses on diets with known or suspected mycotoxin contamination, without adding unnecessary ingredients.
- Supports Immune Function: By reducing mycotoxin load, it indirectly supports immune health by preventing toxin-related stress.
Stance Equitec Toxin Binder Benefits:
- Comprehensive Toxin Management: Binds not only mycotoxins but also harmful bacteria, offering broader protection against environmental and feed-related toxins.
- Enhanced Gut Health: Actigen and Ecocell promote beneficial gut bacteria, potentially improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and hindgut health, which may reduce symptoms like colic or poor manure consistency.
- Behavioral and Physical Improvements: Anecdotal reports suggest reduced spookiness, bucking, or rearing, and improved skin conditions (e.g., scabby sores, greasy heel) due to toxin removal and gut health support.
- Antimicrobial Support: PowerStance’s lauric acid may help combat microbial imbalances, supporting horses with conditions like Queensland itch or rainscald.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for continuous feeding or during high-risk periods (e.g., humid seasons, poor-quality hay), with benefits for horses under stress or with vague symptoms linked to toxins.
6. Practical Considerations
When to Choose Mycosorb A+:
- Use if your horse is primarily at risk of mycotoxin exposure from contaminated feed, hay, or pastures (e.g., in humid climates or with known mould issues).
- Preferred for simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and targeted mycotoxin binding without additional supplements.
- Example: Horses grazing on paspalum or ryegrass with suspected mycotoxin-related symptoms like staggers or stringhalt.
When to Choose Stance Equitec Toxin Binder:
- Use for horses with complex or vague symptoms (e.g., itchy skin, poor coat, behavioral issues, or digestive upset) that may stem from multiple sources, including mycotoxins, bacteria, or gut imbalances.
- Ideal for proactive management in horses under stress, on variable-quality feed, or in environments with high mould risk.
- Example: A horse with Queensland itch, poor focus under saddle, or scabby sores, as reported in user testimonials.
Conclusion
- Mycosorb A+ is a targeted, cost-effective choice for mycotoxin binding, ideal for horses with straightforward exposure risks.
- Toxfree Toxin Binder offers a more comprehensive approach, combining mycotoxin binding with gut health and antimicrobial benefits, making it better suited for horses with complex symptoms or broader health needs. Choose based on your horse’s specific risks, symptoms, and dietary context. For suspected stringhalt or other neurological issues, consult a veterinarian to rule out other causes and tailor a management plan, potentially incorporating either binder as a preventive or supportive measure.
