Mycosorb A+ by Alltech is a toxin binder based on a specific strain of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, rich in glucans that have been shown to bind a broad range of mycotoxins including aflatoxins. It reduces the risk of mycotoxins by the process of adsorption. Adsorption is the process by which carbohydrate components of yeast and algae cell walls bind to mycotoxins, removing them from the digestive tract. This mechanism has been demonstrated through various peer-reviewed papers showing the involvement of Van der Waal's and hydrogen bonds between mycotoxins and beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 glucans. These beta-glucans are the active components of Mycosorb.
Balanced Equine chose this toxin binder product due to the significant research behind it. In animals, aflatoxins are known to affect liver function while ochratoxins are a group of potent nephrotoxins, contributing to kidney damage. Fumonisins are known to affect the liver as well as immune system.
If you are concerned about your hay being mouldy or are experiencing a fungus outbreak in your pasture, for example, Paspalum ergot fungus or certain strains of endophyte perennial Rye grass, consider a toxin binder. These plants and others are renowned for causing photosynthesisation, signs are sunburn and blistering on pink skin on faces and pasterns (generic term, greasy heel or mud fever). When an animal consumes a plant or chemical containing these pigments (e.g., polyphenolic), the pigments circulate to the skin where they are exposed to UV light, fluoresce and cause oxidative injury to the cells of the skin. Liver damage in a horse might not be noticed until the animal develops photosensitisation.
First Aid: If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.