Extra Information

What are Mycotoxins 

Mycotoxins are toxic chemical compounds produced by moulds which are members of the fungi group of plants. Generally speaking, the term mycotoxin is used for moulds that readily and easily colonise crops. Like bacteria, mould spores are ubiquitous in the environment. All herbivores come into close and constant contact with moulds daily – they can be both inhaled and ingested. The mould spores are microscopic and use oxygen to digest organic matter wherever the temperature and humidity levels are sufficient. In optimal conditions, they multiply and form colonies. Their toxic metabolic products are then present in even higher concentrations. The toxins are not needed for their growth or development but are maybe used to depress the immune system of the host plant. This could be a strategy for helping the colony to grow. Toxin production varies greatly with internal and external environmental conditions – there are often multiple toxins produced by the one colony and the same toxins can be produced by other species of mould. While the mould organisms themselves can be killed with heat and digestion, the toxins are very resistant to digestion, heat and cold.

Signs of Mycotoxin poisoning 

Mycotoxicosis is not a single syndrome produced by a relatively small number of moulds with consistent clinical signs. It is similar to bacteria in that there are a huge number of potential culprits that produce a wide range of health effects. There are non-specific signs such as:

• Itchy skin and/or hairloss
• Scabby sores
• Stiffness
• String halt/staggers
• Wasted topline
• Sunburnt nose
• Persistent cough
• Odd sweating
• Coarse, dull coat
• Persistent greasy heel/rainscald
• Unexplained spookiness and dangerous behaviour

There is no specific blood test for mycotoxins. It would be a diagnosis by elimination of other causal factors that could produce the same signs. Testing the feed with a reputable laboratory would be one possibility to determine the presence and levels of mycotoxins in the feed. It would then have to be interpreted very carefully as to likely results of the ingestion of that level and type of mycotoxin on the horse’s body.

Where can mould occur 

Mould can occur in buildings especially where there is humidity and moisture. Stables and sheds should be checked regularly for mould growth. Organic matter is the biggest source of mould – grain, forages, hay, pasture, soil. Mould can occur before and during harvesting and also in storage after processing. Medicinal plants and herbal medicines have also been known to contain mycotoxins.

What can be done to minimise the risk of mycotoxicosis? 

It is impossible to eliminate mycotoxins from the environment – over millennia, horse’s bodies have evolved to deal with constant contact with potentially pathogenic viruses, bacteria, moulds, fungi etc. If the horse is in good physical and mental health it would be harder for the normal background level of mycotoxin exposure to cause a problem. If a horse has become physically stressed with nutritional imbalances, chronic viral or bacterial infections, overwork, lack of sufficient roughage in the diet etc it could be more prone to being susceptible to mycotoxins of a mild to moderate level of intake. If a healthy horse is fed mouldy feed or accesses plants or pastures with high levels of mould then it could succumb to mycotoxicosis. Crop farmers can try and reduce mould levels in crops by crop rotation, soil cultivation, insect and weed control, harvesting earlier and having higher cutting heights. Post-harvest grain should be stored in < 13% moisture. If this is not possible, a mould inhibitor should be added to the product. As a horse owner, wet down dusty feed and never feed mouldy hay or grain. Ideally speaking, hay should be fed at least three months after cutting in order for the mould organisms to die.

What are toxin binders

Toxin binders are chemical compounds used to absorb myco and endo toxins in the gut before they are absorbed by the body. They then pass out in the manure. They were developed primarily for the chicken, pig and beef industries. Factory farming produces high numbers of intensively raised animals that become incredibly stressed and therefore their immune systems are compromised. A large part of their diet is grain based and mycotoxicosis is a constant risk. These animals need to be constantly growing so any set back with gastro intestinal upsets are to be minimised. They are then slaughtered within a short time frame so there is no real concern for long term possible effects of ingesting toxin binders. Toxin binders can be inorganic (eg bentonite clays) or organic (yeast cell membranes). Their presence is designed to facilitate the attachment of the toxin to the binder and prevent its absorption by the gut. They are not a cure for mycotoxicosis but can be used as part of a treatment programme. ReMove is a natural toxin binder that consists of no chemicals or inorganic properties. Meaning that ReMove will only attach to the Mycotoxins, therefore it will not affect the absorption of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates or proteins.