70. Is Perennial Ryegrass Changing Your Horse’s Behaviour?

<p>Has your horse suddenly become anxious, spooky, reactive or unpredictable... despite being normally calm and sensible?</p><p>In this episode, Dr Nerida explores how perennial ryegrass mycotoxins can affect horse behaviour, coordination and performance. Learn about lolitrem B and ergovaline, the toxins associated with ryegrass staggers, tremors, hypersensitivity, exaggerated startle responses, heat intolerance and dramatic behavioural changes.</p><p>We also look at when perennial ryegrass pasture and hay pose the greatest risk, how quickly horses may improve once exposure stops, and whether mycotoxin binders can actually help.</p><p>If your horse seems to have had a sudden “personality transplant”, their pasture or hay may be worth a closer look and this episode is definitely worth a listen!</p><p><strong>Testing pasture or hay for perennial ryegrass toxins</strong></p><p><strong>Australia:</strong> Southern Scientific Services, Hamilton VIC – pasture toxin testing including lolitrem B and ergovaline. Phone 0408 363 061. Contact the laboratory before collecting/sending samples for current sampling instructions.</p><p><strong>USA:</strong> Oregon State University Endophyte Service Laboratory – quantitative testing for lolitrem B and ergovaline in pasture, hay and feed. https://emt.oregonstate.edu/endophyte-lab </p><p> </p><p>📲 For help balancing your horse&#39;s diet, download the MyHappy.Horse App https://apps.apple.com/au/app/myhappy-horse/id6633422324  </p><p>💖 If you found this episode helpful, please follow the Happy Horse Nutrition Podcast and  share it with a horse owning friend who is struggling with their horse&#39;s behaviour.</p><p>🌟 And we&#39;d love you to leave us a rating and review, it helps us help more horse owners to find practical, science-based nutrition advice.</p>