What might be a potential health risk of feeding goats moldy hay?

Feeding goats moldy hay poses a significant health risk primarily due to mycotoxicosis, which is a condition caused by the ingestion of mycotoxins produced by mold. Mycotoxins can lead to serious health issues in livestock, including goats. These toxic compounds can impair immune function, disrupt growth, and in severe cases, lead to death. When goats consume moldy hay, they are exposed to a variety of mycotoxins that can affect multiple organ systems, resulting in symptoms such as lethargy, reduced feed intake, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

In contrast, while digestive upset can occur with any dietary change, it is not specific to moldy hay, and the same goes for allergies, which can vary by individual animal sensitivities and are not a direct consequence of mold ingestion. Weight gain is generally an outcome of adequate and healthy feeding practices, not something associated with moldy feed, which usually has the opposite effect due to the health complications it brings.