Tri-Forage Farms Ltd. has a strong belief in, and
commitment to, healthy feed for healthy horses. We have demonstrated
our confidence in our product over the years by our partnership with
the Equine Research Centre and the Nutraceutical Alliance and their
research initiatives.
A study by the Equine Research Centre in 2001 found Triforage Horsehae
to be clear of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can cause reproductive,
respiratory, gastrointestinal and other disorders in horses and other
livestock.
Report: Mycotoxin Analysis
March 2, 2001
By Susan Raymond,
Respiratory Health and Air Quality Research
Background
Mouldy feeds and forage can contribute to a range of disorders in the
horse. Moulds and actinomycetes can cause primary allergic and inflammatory
respiratory disease, as well as influencing the incidence, severity
and duration of episodes of infectious respiratory disease. Mould can
also contribute to disorders by the production of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins
are metabolites (substances) naturally produced by moulds while in the
field or in storage. Mycotoxins can cause reproductive, respiratory,
gastrointestinal and other disorders in livestock including the horse.
Methods
Forage samples
Grab samples from 10 bags of each forage product* were pooled and frozen
prior to analysis. Three replicates for each analysis were conducted.
*forage products:
Tri-Forage Horsehae (Meadow Mix)
Tri-Forage Horsehae (Alfalfa/Timothy Mix)
Mycotoxin Analysis
The concentrations of the mycotoxins; vomitoxin, T2 toxin and zearalenone
were analysed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in the
laboratory of Central Lab Services of Ralston Purina Canada Inc.. Briefly,
the samples were ground and mycotoxins extracted with distilled water.
Each assay was performed with standards containing mycotoxins with known
concentrations and a control. Mycotoxin concentrations were calculated
by comparing the light absorbencies of the samples with those of known
standards (6 % CV).
Results
The results of the mycotoxin analysis are listed in Table 1 and 2.
Table 1
Mycotoxin levels (ppm) found
in Tri-Forage Meadow Mix (identical levels were found in 3 replicates).
|
Mycotoxin
|
Level measured (ppm) (as is basis)
|
|
Vomitoxin
|
< 0.5
|
|
Zearalenone
|
< 0.1
|
|
T2 Toxin
|
< 0.15
|
Table 2 Mycotoxin levels (ppm) found in Tri-Forage
Alfalfa/Timothy Mix (identical levels were found in 3 replicates)
|
Mycotoxin
|
Level measured (ppm) (as is basis)
|
|
Vomitoxin
|
< 0.5
|
|
Zearalenone
|
< 0.1
|
|
T2 Toxin
|
< 0.15
|
Conclusions
No detectable levels of the mycotoxins; vomitoxin, T2 toxin and zearalenone
were found in either Tri-Forage Horsehae Meadow Mix or Alfalfa/Timothy
Mix of the samples taken.
Other research
A 1994 study by the Equine Research Centre (ERC),
"Respirable particles measured when feeding two forage types; Horsehae
and dry hay", clearly demonstrated that the number of dust particles
were "significantly lower when Horsehae was fed as compared to dry hay."
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