Benefits of a

ionophore-free/antibiotic-free feed facility

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Ionophore & Antibiotic Free Horse Feed: How We Keep Our Facility Clean

What Are The Benefits of an Ionophore-Free/Antibiotic-Free Feed Facility?

When it comes to the health and well-being of horses and livestock, the quality of their feed plays a crucial role. Choosing a feed facility that is ionophore-free and antibiotic-free offers significant advantages, not only for the animals but also for the broader agricultural and consumer landscape.

Antibiotic & Ionophore Free Feed Enhances Horse Health & Longevity

One of the primary benefits of an ionophore-free/antibiotic-free feed facility is the direct positive impact on animal health. Ionophores, which are commonly used in livestock feed to improve growth rates and feed efficiency, can be toxic to horses even in minute amounts. When horses are accidentally exposed to ionophores, they can suffer from severe health issues. This includes muscle damage, heart failure, and in extreme cases, death. Therefore, choosing a facility that excludes ionophores like Star Milling Co. helps horse owners mitigate these risks and ensure their animals’ safety.

In addition to ionophores, the use of antibiotics in feed has been a topic of concern due to the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An antibiotic-free feed facility eliminates the risk of contributing to this global health issue. In return, this promotes a more natural and sustainable approach to animal husbandry. This also results in healthier livestock, reduced medical interventions, and potentially longer lifespans for the animals.

Star Milling Co. is a monesin-free facility. We do not blend antibiotics, anthelmintics, coccidiostats, or ionophores into any of our feeds.

Improved Horse Feed Quality & Safety

Feed facilities that prioritize being ionophore-free and antibiotic-free also implement stricter quality control measures. This commitment to higher standards leads to improved feed quality, ensuring that the animals receive only the nutrients they need without the inclusion of potentially harmful additives. For horse owners, this peace of mind is invaluable. We make certain that our feed is not only safe but also optimized for the horses’ specific dietary requirements.

Moreover, an ionophore-free environment eliminates the risk of cross-contamination. Given that even trace amounts of ionophores can be deadly to horses, the importance of preventing cross-contamination cannot be overstated. A dedicated ionophore-free facility ensures that feed is produced in a controlled environment, preventing the chances of accidental exposure.

Support for Ethical & Sustainable Farming Practices

By choosing feed from an ionophore-free/antibiotic-free facility, you are also supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices. This allows Star Milling Co. to meet our broader goals of reducing reliance on chemical interventions in livestock production, promoting animal welfare, and fostering environmental sustainability. In turn, this leads to a more positive public perception of the agricultural industry and contributes to a more sustainable food system.

Why is an Ionophore-Free Facility Important for Horses?

Horses are particularly sensitive to ionophores, a class of compounds commonly used in poultry and cattle feeds. These compounds are intended to improve feed efficiency and control parasites in these animals, but they are highly toxic to horses. Even a small amount of ionophore contamination in horse feed can lead to severe health consequences, including neurological damage, muscle breakdown, and potentially fatal heart conditions.

Antibiotic Free Facility - Star Milling Co.

For horse owners and caretakers, ensuring that the feed facility is ionophore-free is a matter of life and death. We are proud to operate a drug free feed mill, providing horse feed that never blends antibiotics or monensin into our feeds. and protecting horses from the deadly effects of these compounds. Select an ionophore-free facility which provides horse owners with the safest possible nutrition, safeguarding their animals health and well-being.

Learn more about Star Milling’s values, certifications, and our feed facility.

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