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Mycotoxins are toxic chemical substances produced by moulds, fungal organisms that thrive on organic matter in warm, humid environments. These moulds are commonly found on crops, grains, and forages, and their spores are virtually everywhere in the environment. Horses can be exposed to mycotoxins through inhalation or ingestion, especially when consuming contaminated hay, grain, or pasture. Once established, mould colonies can produce toxic by-products that are extremely resistant to heat, digestion, and cold.
Different moulds produce different toxins, and even the same mould species can release multiple types. Some common examples include:
in Horses Symptoms of mycotoxin exposure can vary widely, making diagnosis challenging. Signs may include:
Since there’s no definitive blood test for mycotoxins, diagnosis is typically made by ruling out other causes and testing the feed for contamination.
Mould growth can occur:
Moisture and poor storage conditions are the main culprits. Grain stored with more than 13% moisture or hay baled before fully cured is especially prone to mould.
While total elimination of mycotoxins is impossible, you can significantly lower your horse’s risk by:
On the farm, practices such as crop rotation, insect and weed control, and early harvesting can reduce mould in crops.
Toxin binders are substances added to feed to prevent mycotoxins from being absorbed into the body. Instead, they bind to the toxins in the gut so they’re excreted in manure. Originally developed for pigs, poultry, and cattle in intensive farming systems, toxin binders are now used in horse feeds, though scientific studies on their long-term effectiveness in horses are limited.
There are two main types:
While some studies suggest that binders may help reduce the impact of mycotoxins, they do not cure mycotoxicosis and should be used alongside good feeding practices.
A good toxin binder should:
Toxfree Toxin Binder is scientifically formulated based on published research using Mycosorb A and Actigen containing Sacchromyces cerevisae, to bind polar and non polar mycotoxins and is specifically formulated for equine use.
Mycotoxins are a real but often overlooked risk in horse nutrition. While horses have evolved to tolerate low-level exposure, stress, poor health, or mouldy feed can tip the balance and lead to illness. Prevention is key: feed clean, store well, and support your horse’s immune system through proper nutrition and management and strategis use of toxin binders.
