An investigation of the concentrations of selected Fusarium mycotoxins andthe degree of mold contamination of field-dried hay

The levels of selected mycotoxins and mold contamination of Ontario field-d ried hay from 10 performance horse farms were examined. The farm owner, tra iner or manager was questioned regarding their opinion of the quality of th e hay. Half of the hay sampled showed potentially significant levels of myc otoxins, mold and actinomycete contamination. Subjective opinion did not co rrelate to objective analysis. Deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin), T2 toxin and zea ralenone were measured with vomitoxin present in the highest amounts. Vomit oxin is among the mycotoxins most frequently found as contaminants in cerea l crops, in temperate climates, in North America. It can be concluded that the levels found in this study could potentially have an influence on the h ealth of horses consuming such hay.