Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by moulds on grass, weeds, grain, feeds and hays. They can create significant challenges to a horse’s health.
Horses consuming mycotoxins can exhibit a range of symptoms, commonly termed mycotoxicosis. These include unexplained random spooky behaviour, skin irritation, photosensitivity, head-shaking or flicking, staggers, to gut issues, poor growth, low fertility, immune problems and lack of stamina.
Moulds that invade certain grass species can produce mycotoxins which are particularly toxic to horses. Key types include black paspalum (ergot mycotoxins), ryegrass, clovers, tall fescue , weeds such as capeweed and other grasses that grow in hot, wet or damp climates.