What is pressed oats for horses?
Crushed oats, also known as pressed oats or rolled oats, are oats that have been mechanically processed to crush or flatten the grains. Unlike whole oats, which remain intact, crushed oats are pressed between two rollers or in a special machine. This flattens the grains, making them faster and easier to digest, especially by animals like horses.
Benefits of crushed oats for horses:
- Better digestibility: Crushing breaks down the cell structures of the oats, which improves the availability of nutrients and facilitates digestion.
- Higher energy intake: Because oats are easier to digest, the horse can absorb and utilize the nutrients they contain, especially the carbohydrates, more efficiently, which is especially important for athletically active horses.
- Gentle feeding: Crushed oats are less abrasive for horses' teeth than whole oat grains and therefore gentler on the teeth.
Use of crushed oats in horse feeding:
Oat fodder is a popular feed in horse nutrition because it provides a good source of energy and is rich in important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (such as magnesium and phosphorus). It is often used as a supplement to hay or other forages to increase the energy density of the ration without overloading the horse's gastrointestinal tract.
However, it is important to store pressed oats properly , as squeezing can shorten their shelf life. The broken structure makes them more susceptible to mold growth and mycotoxins, especially in humid or poorly ventilated storage conditions. Therefore, pressed oats should always be stored in a cool, dry place and fed relatively soon after production to ensure freshness and minimize health risks to the horse.
So, now we come to the risks.
Mold can develop relatively quickly on crushed oats, especially if storage conditions are not optimal. The exact time it takes for mold to appear depends on several factors, including humidity, temperature, and ventilation.
Factors that influence mold growth on pressed oats:
1. Humidity:
If the oats have a high moisture content or are stored in a humid environment, mold can develop within a few days to weeks. Moisture is the biggest risk factor for mold growth.
2. Temperature:
Warm temperatures promote mold growth. In warm environments (above 20°C), mold growth can occur more quickly, often within days, if humidity is high.
3. Ventilation:
Poor ventilation can increase humidity in storage areas, which accelerates mold growth. Well-ventilated and dry storage areas are crucial to extending the shelf life of pressed oats.
4. Storage period:
The longer pressed oats are stored, the higher the risk of mold growth. Because squeezing opens the shell of the oat grains, they are more susceptible to moisture and mold spores, which reduces their shelf life.
Typical timeframes for mold formation in oats:
- In case of high humidity and poor storage: mold can appear within a few days to about a week after crushing.
- Under moderate conditions: When stored under moderate conditions (low humidity, cool temperature, good ventilation), the oats can last for several weeks to months before mold becomes visible.
Precautions:
To prevent mold growth, rolled oats should be stored in dry, cool, and well-ventilated conditions. It's also advisable to consume the rolled oats promptly and check regularly for mold growth. Visible signs of mold, such as discoloration or a musty odor, indicate that the oats are no longer safe to feed and should be discarded.
Zeolite as a prophylaxis against mold formation in pressed oats
Zeolite can be an effective prophylactic when feeding crushed oats, especially when there is uncertainty about the freshness and storage of the oats. Molds and the mycotoxins they produce, such as aflatoxins, pose a serious risk to your horse's health. Even with careful storage, it can be difficult to completely rule out mold growth, especially if the oats are stored for extended periods or under less than ideal conditions.
Zeolite: Support in an uncertain food world
In the reality of horse feeding, we often have to rely on the quality of our feed sources, whether in the stable or from suppliers. It's not always possible to always get fresh crushed oats – logistics, availability, and cooperation within the stable play a major role here. Out of love for our horses and the desire to make their lives as comfortable as possible, we look for ways to optimally support their health, even if everything isn't perfect.
Horses can cope to a certain extent with mold spores that may be present in their feed, but this constant exposure can weaken their resistance and make them more susceptible to disease. The body is then constantly busy fighting these stresses instead of focusing its full energy on what matters most—be it training, competitions, or simply daily well-being.
This is where zeolite can be a valuable aid. It supports your horse's body by binding mold toxins and other harmful substances, thus reducing the burden. This allows the immune system to focus on other challenges, allowing your horse to maintain its full potential. By incorporating zeolite into its diet, you give your horse the support it needs to better cope with the inevitable challenges of feeding and focus its energy on what really matters.
How zeolite can help with mold growth in horse feed:
1. Binding of mycotoxins:
Zeolite has a high adsorption capacity, meaning it can bind mycotoxins that might be released from contaminated oat flour in the horse's digestive tract. This binding action prevents the toxins from entering the bloodstream and causing damage.
2. Protection against mold risks:
If you're unsure whether the oats you're feeding are mold-free, zeolite offers an additional safety measure. By neutralizing potential contaminants, it can minimize the effects of mycotoxins on your horse's organism.
3. Strengthening the immune system:
By reducing the toxic load, zeolite supports your horse's immune system, which is especially important when the quality of the feed cannot always be guaranteed. A strong immune system helps the horse better cope with potential stressors caused by poor-quality feed.
4. Prophylactic administration:
Even if you assume your oat flour is of good quality, regular administration of zeolite can benefit your horse overall. It not only acts as a preventative measure against potential contamination but also supports your horse's overall detoxification and well-being.
Summary - Zeolite and squashed oats belong together
Zeolite offers a valuable way to protect your horse from the risks of mold contamination in oat flour. By binding and neutralizing mycotoxins, it helps prevent potential health problems. If you are unsure about the freshness or quality of your oat flour, or generally want to do something good for your horse, regularly adding zeolite to their feed can be a useful addition.
