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  Discussion on What to Add to Horses Diet when Feeding Poor Possibly Moldy Hay
Author Message
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 - 10:06 am:

DrO, Anyone,

Many of us have less than perfect hay this season due to lots of rain, and high humidity levels. None of us want to feed hay that is dusty and showing signs of mold of course, but sometimes it's all there is available. I know to shake it out, wet it, feed from the ground spread out,and of course get rid of the worst of it. We can't avoid all mold spores, I am sure there is always mold around so I think the horses have always had some mold exposure. From the ground, stalls, etc., we just don't see it all.

I was wondering if anything can be fed to OFFSET the possible negative effects of the mold? I know about respiratory supplements, but what about something for the stomach and immune system?

I know you DrO are not fond of herbals, but I bet there is something out there to help!

I am thinking garlic as my first choice.

Any other ideas anyone?

I feel like I need garlic after just smelling some of my hay!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 - 11:05 am:

If the hay is bad enough that it has a smell, Angie, I just wouldn't feed it. I am totally paranoid about molds. I know that it is just certain molds that cause the problems, but don't which they are or how to tell the difference.

I imagine you've already looked under nutrition and feeding etc. on HA? I haven't so don't know what's there. CSU might have info or the Safegrass or one of those sites if no one else does. I'll be curious to read what you find out.
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 - 5:41 pm:

Angie,

Be careful about inhaling the mold spores in that stuff. It can make you very, very ill.

That's one of the worst parts about having bad hay.

Try to do all that you can to cleanse your bronchials and lungs and keep YOUR immune system clicking.
Member:
canter

Posted on Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 - 8:16 pm:

Seems unlikely that there's anything you can give them to negate the potential bad impact of moldy hay, except in terms of ensuring the horses get adaquate nutrition through a complete feed in addition to the hay. If it's that bad that you're worried about it, Angie, I'd cause a ruckus with the supplier and get it returned.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jul 25, 2010 - 8:25 am:

There is nothing we know of that will protect a horse from the effects of eating moldy hay. It should not be done, period. The article associated with this discussion area has recommendations when all you can find is moldy hay and that is the route you should take.
DrO
PS Angie, I have no problems with herbs just like to keep the record straight when any treatment recommended in this site is imbued with properties for which there is no or poor medical evidence.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Jul 25, 2010 - 9:02 am:

DrO,

I understand what you are saying about herbs; I've changed my views over the years and am not as trusting as I used to be with ingesting supplements myself. The Scientific evidence seems to be constantly changing with what used to be promoted as helpful now is useless.

And yes, I read the articles.

And as far as I know, garlic isn't a herb, lol! Oops.

Ladies, I sure hope the hay is better than I am thinking it is. Today is sunny and promising to be nice so we will attack the old garage, and I'll be able to pick through it more. If I am ever able to build or buy another barn/horse set up I will insist on the hay being in a separate ROOMY shed. It's just a pain up in the barn where it is!

Fran, after 2 years of feeding extras to insure nutrition what with the half dead too dry hay, it's a given that's a concern of mine to insure they are getting all they need nutrient wise.

Thought I'd get a break this year.

I am very sensitive to molds myself, having suffered CFS most of my adult life and only been free of the fatigue for about the last 10 years or so. I know how easily I can be flat lined again (no, not dead, but in bed for days!) and I have no reason to think horses are immune to nasty things in their feed, water, even supplements.

We live in a world of chemicals that we were never meant to ingest or smell or touch. Genetically modified foods, and pollution everywhere. You can't trust to take anything it seems to help keep yourself healthy, or your horses, because it seems next week they are saying it's being recalled, or it don't really have in it (vitamins for example) what the label says!!

I'd better quit because this is one of my pet peeves that I can really get going on!

Rest assured though I will do everything in my power to prevent my horses from eating musty dusty hay, and I hope I can eliminate ALL the mold but reality is we can't see it all so that is doubtful.

Thanks
Member:
ddoregon

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2015 - 3:06 am:

Animed Barrier Digestive Shield. absorbs mycotoxins.
Member:
ddoregon

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2015 - 3:28 am:

"Barrier Digestive Shield from AniMed helps protect against possible contaminated feed and hay, including mycotoxins, without limiting the absorption of nutrients. State of the art, scientifically engineered powder supplement effectively neutralizes mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin and fumonisin, and prevents them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Contains a functional carbohydrate that binds to bad bacteria, which prevents attachment to gut walls.Each oz contains guaranteed 7,000 mg mycotoxin absorbent, 7,000 mg mannanoligosaccharides and 550 mg vitamin C."
Member:
moxshi

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2015 - 12:30 pm:

Thank you, DD . . . It sounds like an amazing supplement, and I'm going to have to keep it in mind after I do some research.
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