Feed Manufacturer Admits Toxic Additive in Batch Responsible for Up to 70 Rodeo Horses' Deaths

The manufacturer of a feed batch suspected to be connected to the death of 40 to 70 rodeo horses has acknowledged the presence of a toxic additive, leading to significant concern within the agricultural community. This incident has sparked a thorough investigation by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) and raised questions about feed safety protocols.

Contaminated Feed and Its Impact

The manufacturer, Livestock Nutrition Center, has admitted that the contaminated feed contained monensin, a compound utilized for parasite control. Although effective in other livestock, monensin is known to be lethal to horses. The company expressed profound remorse for the incident and the invaluable loss of animals.

This unfortunate event came to light on August 23, prompting the ODAFF to initiative an investigation based on reports from the Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. The co-owner, Rhett Beutler, described witnessing unsettling behavior in the horses shortly after they were fed the suspected batch. The shocking outcome resulted in the tragic demise of a significant number of horses. The impact on the rodeo community and the bereaved families has been substantial, leading to a strong call for accountability and preventive measures.

Response from Livestock Nutrition Center

In a public statement, Ronnie Castlebury, president of Livestock Nutrition Center, expressed the company's commitment to supporting the affected parties. The company has pledged to work closely with the Beutler family, offering assistance and resources to address the considerable loss of their livestock.

Castlebury provided insight into the preliminary findings, indicating that the contaminated feed likely resulted from a combination of a failed cleanout procedure and a sensor malfunction. This admission raises significant questions about the quality control measures in place within the manufacturing process and the communication among relevant stakeholders. The company emphasized the isolated nature of this incident, assuring that no other batches have been affected, while also collaborating with the State Departments of Agriculture in Oklahoma and Kansas and the FDA to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions.

Impact on the Rodeo Community and Future Measures

The repercussions of this incident have reverberated throughout the rodeo community, particularly among livestock breeders and owners. The Beutler family, for instance, has a long-standing legacy in breeding and raising champion horses for rodeos, spanning several generations since 1929.

The rodeo and agricultural sectors are now calling for comprehensive reviews of stringent feed safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This incident has underscored the critical need for transparent communication and robust procedures to ensure the well-being of livestock across the industry.