moldy grain

Question
I recently received some grain (pellets, usually light in color) that is slightly grayish in color. It looks that some of it is a little moldy. Can this hurt my horse and if it can what are some of the things it can do so I can tell my feed man.  Thank You very much, Sandra

Answer
Hi Sandra,

Thank you for your question and please...do not feed that to your horses!  But I'm sure you know that already.

It is not unusual to have grain molding in the summer, even if it has just recently been made.  The heat and humidity can raise havec with even the best of feed mixes.  

Moldy feed can be dangerous for any animal and especially for horses.  It can cause gas colics in horses, causing extreme pain for the horse that requires medical attention...and often a vet bill.  In addition, the mold that forms produces mycotoxins that are equally as dangerous to the horse.  The exposure of the horse to high levels of mycotoxins can cause organ and tissue damage...including severe liver damage or failure.  And a horse does not function without a liver.  In mild but continued exposure to mycotoxins, horses will have difficulty maintaining body weight, become susceptible to gas colics and form ulcers.  And as a side note, you can have mycotoxins in the feed without having visible signs of mold.  In the dairy industry, we measure and counteract mycotoxins whenever necessary and can financially quantify their impact...but I think more research is needed in the equine industry.  Especially given that horses can not accommodate the same levels that ruminants can.

I hope this helps your approach with your feed dealer.  They are generally quick to remove and replace moldy feed, understanding that it is poor business not to do so.  And sometimes the weather can not be helped, and it is not the manufacturers fault...after all, they don't open the bags themselves and may never know otherwise.

Thanks, Corlena