Sept. 3, 2024
The Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., a respected provider of rodeo livestock for over 90 years, recently faced a heartbreaking tragedy, losing nearly 70 bucking horses in the last two weeks. The cause has been traced back to contaminated feed that was delivered before August 23rd. Livestock Nutrition Center, the feed supplier, has confirmed that the feed contained monensin, an antibiotic known to be deadly for horses.
Monensin, commonly used in feed for other livestock, is toxic to horses if ingested. In a statement, Livestock Nutrition Center explained, “Preliminary tests show that a load of feed delivered to Beutler and Son Rodeo Company in Elk City contained monensin, which can be toxic to horses. This likely resulted from a combination of a failed cleanout procedure and a sensor malfunction.” The company stressed that the issue was limited to a single load of feed from one facility, ensuring that no other feed has been affected and that all other products remain safe for animal consumption.
Founded in 1998, Livestock Nutrition Center operates 20 locations across the south-central United States, milling custom-blend feed, supplements, and mineral products. Although its website doesn’t list horse feed, the type of feed supplied to Beutler’s rodeo horses is not clear.
Livestock Nutrition Center added, “We are taking this matter seriously and are cooperating with the State Departments of Agriculture in Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as the FDA, to identify the root cause and implement all necessary corrective actions.”
One bucking mare, Black Kat, survived because she was receiving treatment at VeneKlasen’s Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital in Canyon, Texas, when the contaminated feed was delivered. In a remarkable turn of events, Black Kat went on to win the Elk City Rodeo of Champions this weekend with rider Roedy Farrell, earning a score of 88.5 at the Beutler Bros. Arena in Elk City.
“We are committed to supporting the Beutler family through this difficult time and making things right, as our customers and employees expect and deserve it,” the mill stated.
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