Livestock Nutrition Center confirms monensin contamination poisoned 70 horses

After the tragic poisoning of at least 70 horses at a legacy breeding ranch in Oklahoma last month, the company that supplied the contaminated feed has disclosed critical findings. Livestock Nutrition Center, a provider of custom-blended and premixed feeds nationwide, identified the presence of Monensin, a toxic additive for horses, in a shipment delivered to Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. in Elk City, Oklahoma.

Investigations Reveal Contamination Points

Livestock Nutrition Center's president, Ronnie Castlebury, attributed the contamination to a combination of a failed cleaning procedure and a sensor malfunction. He emphasized that this incident was limited to a single load of feed from one facility and assured the public that other supplies were unaffected and safe for animal consumption.

Monensin, an ionophore commonly found in cattle feed, poses a severe threat to horses. It is critical to note that Monensin, despite its safety for cattle, can have fatal consequences for equines. The preliminary tests conducted by Livestock Nutrition Center confirmed the presence of this hazardous compound in the affected shipment.

The tragic event has cast a shadow over the ranching community, raising concerns over the stringent quality control measures in the feed supply chain. Livestock Nutrition Center's prompt response and thorough investigations mark a crucial step towards preventing similar occurrences in the future. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of feed contamination and the need for continuous vigilance in the industry.