Ministry says investigation indicates failure to control the raw material used by the company; One of the dead horses was one of the most awarded stallions in the country, valued at $ 12 million
The contamination of equine feed of the company caused the death of at least 245 horses in Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Alagoas. The Map (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) confirmed the data on Sunday (13.Jul.2025) and said it determined the factory ban.
Since receiving the 1st complaint, on May 26, through the Official Ombudsman, the Ministry has conducted investigations of the facts. The products were contaminated by pyrolizidin alkaloids, toxic liver substances and the neurological system of animals. The compounds were found in samples analyzed by the federal agricultural defense laboratories. The presence of these substances is prohibited.
The investigation indicates failure to control the raw material used by the company, informs the ministry. The feed would have been produced with crotalaria plant residues known to generate the monocrotaline toxic substance.
“This is a unique case. Never, throughout the history of the ministry, had identified the presence of this substance in horses,”This Secretary of Agricultural Defense, Carlos Goulart. “Even in very small doses, it cannot be present under any circumstances.”
All animals that got sick or died consumed Nutratta’s feed. Those who did not ingest the food remained healthy, according to the map.
One of the dead horses was one of the most awarded stallions in the country and lived in Atalaia (AL), according to the g1. The horse, from the Mangalarga Marchador breed, of Alazã coat, valued at $ 12 million.
The ministry filed an administrative proceeding, issued an infraction notice and determined the precautionary suspension of manufacturing and selling rations for equine. Then the measure was expanded to feed of all animal species.
Despite the ban, the company was able to take part in the production to resume part of the production. The government appealed the decision, presenting new technical evidence and reinforcing the sanitary risk.
“This is a unique case. We had never identified this substance in horses”, Said Secretary of Agricultural Defense Carlos Goulart. “Even in small doses, it can cause serious damage to animals. ”
The ministry said it continues to receive complaints and will maintain inspections to ensure animal health and safety of the production chain.
What does Nutratta say
The company Nutratta Nutrition Animal issued a note on Friday (11.Jul.2025) in which it regrets the deaths of horses attributed to the contamination of their feed and sympathizes with breeders, owners and professionals in the equestrian sector. The company states that it is fully collaborating with the authorities and has adopted a cautious stance from the first reports, choosing not to speak publicly before having a technical support.
Nutratta stated that it reinforced its internal controls and that its equine nutrition line was preventively banned by the Ministry of Agriculture on the last Wednesday (4.Jul). The company said it fulfills all the requirements of inspectors and that samples of raw materials, finished products and a sealed truck were sent for laboratory analysis, including tests for toxic substances such as monensin, clostridium and mycotoxins.
According to the manufacturer, their horses and cattle lines have different formulations and processes. The company said there is no evidence of problems on the bovine line and that the products are still being used normally. Nutratta has reiterated its commitment to transparency, ethics and respect for animal life, and said it will continue to clarify the equestrian community as soon as there are official conclusions from the government.
Here is the full Nutratta note:
“Official statement to the equestrian community, Nutratta customers and distributors
“Before any technical or institutional consideration, Nutratta wants to express, with deep sincerity, its solidarity with all creators, owners, professionals and lovers of the equestrian world that are facing this extremely difficult moment.
“Receiving reports of such valuable animal losses – not only from an economical but, above all, affective point of view – has touched us intensely and personal. We know that for many, these animals are part of the family, life and trajectory. We feel deeply the pain of each, and sympathize with genuine empathy for the suffering that crosses the entire industry.
“From the first signs of abnormality, we have chosen to act with maximum responsibility and caution, avoiding any kind of hasty manifestation. With respect to the seriousness of what is being experienced, we concentrate all our efforts on the rigorous technical investigation of the facts, collaborating in full with the competent bodies and reinforcing our internal controls with the support of our specialized technical staff.
“We emphasize that our pronouncement, at this time, did not occur by omission, but for respect for the search for truth – one of the nonnegotiable values of the company. We prefer to adopt a responsible and conservative stance, rather than issuing unknown, unknown, sensitive and unprecedented guidelines. This posture was adopted in the name of transparency, ethics and integrity of the process.
“It is important to highlight that Nutratta holds a patent on fiber extrusion technology applied to animal nutrition, with results proven exceeding the market average. This exclusive technology reflects our commitment to innovation, quality and nutritional security. We have been working in the equine nutrition market for over 13 years and we are recognized for seriousness, technical consistency and respect for the needs of animals and professionals who trust our products. based on responsibility, research and commitment to life.
“We clarify that Nutratta’s equine and bovine nutrition lines are developed in a totally independent way, with different formulations and specific production protocols for each species, according to the most rigorous technical and sanitary standards. There is no evidence of contamination or failure in the products intended for cattle. The beef feed is still used by several clinical clinical compartment.
“Regarding the equine line, we inform that the factory unit was prevented by the Ministry of Agriculture last Wednesday (04), through a precautionary suspension term, as part of the ongoing inspection procedures. The interdiction was accompanied by the collection of several samples of raw materials and finished products, in addition to the seal of a truck, sent to perform complete laboratory analyzes (including tests for tests. Monensin, Clostridium and Mycotoxins). All requirements have been fully met by our team, which remains available to the authorities to provide all the necessary support for the investigation.
“We emphasize that all possible measures have already been adopted from the first reports, with protocol review, preventive suspension of lots and complete traceability of the supply chain. Samples of the raw materials provided by our partners were also collected by the map for analysis.
“We believe that, based on the samples under the responsibility of the official laboratories, it will be possible to reach a clear and based conclusion. We know that no technical report will bring back the lost animals, but we are committed to seeking, with total transparency, answers that may offer at least form of justice and learning in the face of such tragedy.
“We reiterate our commitment to truth, ethics and unconditional respect for animal life and the Brazilian equestrian sector. Nutratta remains available to all clients, distributors and professionals for any necessary clarification, technical visits and monitoring of all stages of the investigative process.
“Once there is an official position on the part of the map, the first public communication will be made directly to you, with the seriousness and sensitivity that this moment requires. With respect, shared pain and genuine solidarity, Nutratta Team.”
