Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi JS:
Under NO circumstances do you ever feed moldy hay to horses! It is toxic and can make them very ill, or be fatal. I would not trust a bale to "take the moldy parts out, and feed the rest"...it is not a good idea. If there is mold on one flake, you can be sure the spores are through the whole bale. Some horses can tolerate a small amount, and most horses won't eat moldy hay anyway...but do you want to take that chance with your 'children'?
If your hay guy is any kind of businessman, it is common practice, and understood (in my area anyway), that hay bought for horses should be absolutely mold free and relatively dust free. It does not matter how the "year" was...he should replace any moldy bales with good ones. His explanation sounds like an excuse to not replace the bad hay. Stand up for your rights as a consumer, and the health of your horses. Too many people feed their horses hay that only cows should eat. Tell your hay guy you want the moldy bales replaced with fresh ones. You paid good money for hay...you should get your money's worth. If he refuses, I would be finding a new source of hay, and I wouldn't be recommending him to my friends.
Hope this helps...
Willowrider
Where are you from? Ontario, Canada
How did you locate this forum? Favourites
Hello JS,
Willowrider said it well -- I agree 100%. Moldy hay is dangerous and while most horses won't eat it, some will if there is little choice. The parts that look ok, are not -- they contain mold spores, and in time, would fill the entire bale with mold.
Most reputable hay suppliers will throw in a few extra bales to cover for the possibility of one or two moldy ones. So, I hope this supplier has some integrity. But, if not -- just start looking elsewhere.
Good luck!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO