Feb 12, 2019 · Feeding moldy hay to livestock is a tough decision. Although all hay contains some mold, when mold becomes easily noticeable, the decision becomes important. Usually, mold makes hay less palatable, which can result in lower intake or animals refusing to eat the hay.

Mar 30, 2025 · Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic substances which are produced by moulds and fungi in your horse’s hay. Mycotoxins can cause negative effects in horses including colic, gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, feed withdrawal, immune suppression, impaired performance or poor growth.

May 18, 2021 · The moldy hay can be judged by an acrid or musty smell, unusual brown or pale yellow color, dried-out appearance, excessive dust content, and inconsistent heat throughout the bale. The moldy hay can not fix completely, you can only throw away the affected parts and feed out the rest immediately.

Moldy hay can result in dry matter and nutrient loss and produce spores and dust. Drying of stored hay is enhanced by increasing ventilation, creating air spaces between bales, reducing stack size, and stacking in alternating directions.

Mar 12, 2025 · The primary symptoms of mold in hay include: Musty or unpleasant odor: Good hay should have a sweet, pleasant smell. Moldy hay, on the other hand, often emits a sharp, musty, or metallic odor. This is one of the most reliable early indicators of mold. If the hay smells “bad”, it probably is. Dustiness: Moldy hay tends to be excessively ...

Aug 21, 2018 · If hay is dusty or smells musty, do not feed it. Any black or gray mold is a sure sign of spoiled hay and potential health risk to the horse. Work with your hay supplier to replace unsuitable hay bales, and talk to your veterinarian about preventative measures for maintaining the horse’s health.

Don’t feed moldy hay to horses. Most moldy hay problems are from mold spores, which can produce respiratory disease in horses. Many of the common mold toxins develop in the field during a delayed harvest. If you suspect a mold toxin …

Drying of stored hay (moisture loss) is enhanced by increasing ventilation, creating air spaces between bales, reducing stack size, stacking in alternating directions, and not placing tarp directly over a stack in the field as the tarp traps moisture.

Jan 16, 2025 · Bad hay, often characterized by mold, dust, or a musty odor, can lead to a cascade of problems ranging from mild discomfort to severe, potentially fatal conditions. It’s crucial for horse owners to understand what constitutes bad hay, the potential dangers it poses, and how to properly manage their feed supply to ensure the well-being of ...

Feb 9, 2025 · Bad hay can absolutely make a horse sick, and in some cases, it can be seriously dangerous.