Earth Song Ranch Blog
What can you do to detox your horse
So all of our horses are at effect of Genetically Modified Hay (Seed) which can withstand the Roundup sprayed on the hay crop to get rid of the weeds. Personally when I get hay that has some weeds in it I rejoice. The above photo is an organically grown hay crop up in Alturas, CA, I used to be able to get this hay but no longer can.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and the herbicide Roundup® (which contains the active ingredient glyphosate) can have adverse effects on the health of horses, let alone people. Let’s delve into why GMO hay might be problematic for our equine friends:
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and the herbicide Roundup® (which contains the active ingredient glyphosate) can have adverse effects on the health of horses. Let’s delve into why GMO hay might be problematic for our equine friends:
1. Super Weeds and Increased Herbicide Exposure:
GMO crops are engineered to be resistant to herbicides like Roundup®. This allows farmers to spray fields for weeds without damaging the crop. However, this practice can lead to the emergence of super weeds—weeds that become resistant to herbicides. To combat super weeds, farmers often end up spraying more herbicide than they normally would, increasing the horses’ exposure to these chemicals.
2. GMO Crops Commonly Fed to Horses:
Several crops are genetically modified and find their way into horse feeds. These include:
Corn and Soybeans which have been GMO for quite some time, I feel like soy is one of the worst contributors to our horses having over all body inflammation and digestive health issues because it is a cheap feed ingredient; Sugar beets (which became GMO in 2008 and are now present in most horse feeds with the exception of Speedi Beet out of the UK), Alfalfa (although adoption has been slower due to its perennial nature)
3. Health Risks Associated with GMOs:
Animal studies have linked GMOs to various long-term health risks:
Infertility, Immune problems, Gastrointestinal function changes, Liver and kidney issues,
and Accelerated aging to name a few, and the increasing number of horses with Cushing's and IR.
4. Glyphosate Contamination:
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®, is sprayed on various crops, including those not genetically engineered (such as wheat, buckwheat, barley, oats, lentils, and beans).
Residues of glyphosate have been found on products made from oats, barley, wheat, chickpeas, lentils, and more. While grains fed to horses and livestock are not routinely tested, it’s reasonable to assume that contamination levels are significant.
5. Bee Pollination and GMO Alfalfa:
GMO alfalfa is a point of controversy because it’s pollinated by bees. Cross-pollination with organic fields is a concern, and it may contribute to the decline of bee populations.
In summary, GMO hay can negatively impact horses’ health due to herbicide exposure, super weeds, and potential long-term risks associated with genetically modified crops. Opting for non-GMO feeds may help mitigate these concerns.
But there are other things you can also consider to help keep your horses healthy. You can do an herbal detox twice per year in Spring and Fall (I often use dandelion leaf cut and sifted and Milk thistle seed powder), or you can consider using one of our products called Spring & Fall Tonic to help detox your horses. I would strongly encourage you to feed a Non-GMO Organic bag feed like Modesto Milling Senior feed instead of your typical bag feed full of soy and other GMO ingredients.
Instead of purchasing beet pulp or shreds from your local feed store or Tractor Supply find a source for Speedi Beet, I have been feeding it for a decade or more, it is Non-GMO Low Sugar/Low NSC brought in from the UK and well worth my horse and minis health, they also have Fiber Beet with organic Non-GMO alfalfa in it. At least you will know you are doing your best to try to cut the amount of Round Up soaked GMO ingredients in your horse's diet.
We all have to do the best we can to keep them healthy - we can't avoid what is happening to our hay sources (crops) and how the farmers are having to grow their crops.