Understanding mycotoxins, where they can be found and how to support your horse through potential mycotoxin challenges.
When we think about our horse's health, we often focus on the quality of their feed, the condition of their pasture and whether they're receiving the right nutrition. But there's another factor worth considering: mycotoxins.
These naturally occurring toxins can be present in pasture and feedstuffs, sometimes without any obvious signs of mould. Understanding what mycotoxins are, how horses may be exposed to them and how to manage potential risks can help you make more informed decisions about your horse's daily care.
What are mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of moulds and fungi. They can develop in a range of agricultural crops and feed ingredients, including grains, hay and other forage.
Not all moulds produce mycotoxins, and not all mycotoxins affect animals in the same way. The risk depends on factors such as the type of toxin, the level of contamination, the amount consumed and the duration of exposure.
Importantly, feed can contain mycotoxins without visible mould being present. While checking your feed for unusual smells, dampness and visible mould is an important part of good feed management, appearance alone cannot confirm whether feed is free from mycotoxins.
Where can horses be exposed to mycotoxins?
Horses can encounter mycotoxins through several parts of their diet, including:
- Pasture and grasses: Certain grasses and plants can be associated with toxin-producing fungi.
- Hay and chaff: Fungal contamination can occur during growing, harvesting, drying or storage.
- Grains and hard feeds: Some mycotoxins are associated with contaminated cereal grains and grain by-products.
- Stored feed: Moisture and unsuitable storage conditions can encourage fungal growth and increase the risk of contamination.
This is why feed quality matters throughout the year, not just when something looks or smells wrong.
Why is spring a good time to review your horse's feed?
As the seasons change, so do pasture conditions, moisture levels and feeding routines. Spring often brings fresh grass, changes in grazing time and adjustments to the feeds we offer our horses.
These changes don't automatically mean mycotoxin levels will increase. However, they provide a useful reminder to review pasture management, inspect stored feed and consider the quality of everything going into your horse's feed bucket.
A few simple habits can make a difference:
- Inspect hay, chaff and hard feeds before feeding.
- Avoid feeding visibly mouldy or spoiled feed.
- Store feed in a clean, dry and well-ventilated area.
- Keep feed containers clean and protected from moisture.
- Review pasture and feeding changes carefully.
- Seek veterinary advice if you suspect your horse has consumed contaminated feed.
Remember: Removing a potential source of contamination is the priority. A supplement should never be used as a reason to continue feeding mouldy or spoiled feed.
What signs might be associated with mycotoxin exposure?
The effects of mycotoxins vary considerably depending on the toxin involved and the level and duration of exposure. Potential signs can include:
- Reduced appetite
- Digestive disturbances, including diarrhoea
- Changes in behaviour or general condition
- Photosensitivity in certain types of toxicosis
- Neurological signs in some cases
These signs are not specific to mycotoxins and can occur with many other equine health conditions. If your horse develops unusual symptoms, particularly sudden behavioural changes, neurological signs or significant digestive problems, contact your veterinarian promptly.
If contamination is suspected, your veterinarian can help assess the horse, investigate possible feed sources and determine the appropriate next steps.
How can nutritional support help?
Good-quality feed, sound pasture management and appropriate veterinary care are the foundations of managing potential mycotoxin risks. Depending on the horse's circumstances, a suitable nutritional supplement may also form part of a broader management plan.
This is where EAC in-force Mycotoxin Binder for Horses can be considered.
Meet in-force by EAC Animal Care
in-force is a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder formulated to support horses during periods of mycotoxin challenge, while supporting intestinal function and the immune system.
Its formulation combines several ingredients, including:
- Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate — an inorganic material used in certain toxin-binding formulations.
- Hydrolysed yeast, yeast culture and yeast extract — yeast-derived ingredients included in the formulation.
- Bacillus subtilis fermentation product — a fermentation-derived ingredient.
- Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae fermentation solubles — fungal fermentation-derived ingredients.
- Yucca schidigera extract — a plant-derived ingredient.
Together, these ingredients form the broad-spectrum formulation of in-force, designed to provide nutritional support during mycotoxin challenges.
As with any binder, effectiveness can depend on the particular mycotoxin involved and the formulation's binding properties. in-force is intended to complement good feeding and management practices, not replace them.
Supporting your horse through every season
Mycotoxin management starts with awareness. Regularly checking feed quality, maintaining appropriate storage conditions and paying attention to changes in your horse's health are all important parts of responsible horse care.
As you move into a new season, take the opportunity to review your horse's pasture, forage and feeding routine. Where additional nutritional support is appropriate, EAC in-force provides a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder formulated to support intestinal function and immune health during mycotoxin challenges.
Because supporting your horse starts with understanding what's going into their feed bucket.
Learn more about in-force: https://eacanimalcare.com/products/mycotoxin-binder-for-horses
This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Suspected mycotoxin exposure or signs of illness should be discussed with your veterinarian. Always follow the product label and feeding instructions.
