Released on = August 1, 2006, 8:48 am

Press Release Author = Virginia Equine Research

Industry = Agriculture

Press Release Summary = All horse owners must check their feed, especially pellets,
in the summer for evidence of potentially dangerous molds.

Press Release Body = Virginia Equine Research implores all horse owners, who
give their horses a feed containing pellets, to find out from the manufacturer if
the pellets contain a mold inhibitor.

In the sultry, humid Virginia summers, untreated pellets can develop
potentially dangerous molds. "We saw this ourselves, several years running, in
sweet feeds we had mixed for us by large manufacturers," stated Karl Donaghy of
Morgan Mills, in Jeffersonton, Virginia. "After several years of the same
problem we have eliminated all pellets from our products. The feeds are more
labor intensive to make, as we roast all the grains - but we feel the safety
level achieved is worth it."

This mold problem begins in the pelleting process, itself. Steam is introduced
to form the pellets, which elevates the moisture level of the ingredients. If
this moisture level is not precisely corrected, or moisture is reintroduced by
way of humid weather conditions, it creates the perfect growing conditions for
naturally occurring molds.

Horse owners can check their feed tags for mold inhibitor. Donaghy adds, "The
most common would be propionic acid. However, if your manufacturer buys his
pellets from another source, the inhibitor may not be listed. If you are at all
uncertain, phone your feed store and ask. It is better to be safe than sorry."


Web Site = http://www.fixyourhorse.com

Contact Details = Andrea Weyer
4292 Belvoir Rd.
Marshall , 20115
$$country

540-253-9987
horsesense@mindspring.com
http://www.fixyourhorse.com