Changes in the nutrient profile and the load of mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and pesticides in horse pastures during spring and summer in Austria.

This research study investigated how the nutrient composition and contaminant load in horse pastures in Austria change from early spring to late summer. The study found that these changes, influenced by the developmental stage of the plants, the botanical make-up of the pastures, and weather conditions, can significantly impact the equine nutrient supply and health.

Methodology

• The researchers analyzed the nutrient composition (main macronutrients, macro elements and trace elements), as well as mycotoxins, metabolites, pesticides, and plant-derived compounds of seven different horse pastures, spring to late summer.
• Each pasture was sampled three times, with the samples categorized according to the status of the pasture plants. The three categories were ear emergence, early- till full bloom, and drought-damaged vegetation.

Findings

• Drought-damaged pastures showed a rise in the acid to neutral detergent fiber ratio, calcium, iron, and magnesium, but had lower potassium contents.
• Several contaminants such as mycotoxins, metabolic byproducts, pesticides, and plant-derived compounds were found. These included 64 fungal compounds produced from a range of fungal species, a bacterial metabolite called cereulide, twelve plant metabolites including eight phytoestrogens and three cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin, lotaustralin, and prunasin), 11 nonspecific metabolites and six different pesticides.
• Mycotoxins produced by the fungus Fusarium were found in the highest concentrations among the fungal metabolites, and drought-induced stress was shown to increase their levels.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that the developmental stages of the plants and the botanical composition of the pastures, along with weather conditions like drought, had a significant impact on the nutritional composition and contaminant presence in horse pastures.

Implications

• The variable nutritional profile of horse pasture forage across different seasons could impact equine health and nutrient supply.
• The presence of contaminants, particularly mycotoxins, could also pose a health risk.
• This research could be used to inform better pasture management practices during different seasons to ensure optimal nutrient supply and to minimize the presence of harmful contaminants.