Fungal Spores - scientist needed!

[flyingfeet]

Bit of an offbeat post - has anyone studied the fungal spore load of hay versus haylage?

I am trying to work out which has the least amount of free spores in them as I am massively allergic and technically should be wearing a facemask all the time!

 

[Oldred]

Not a scientist I'm afraid but also massively allergic to hay (and horses). I wear a mask when unloading hay and grooming. Very annoying and specs steam up but better than not having horses at all!

I have no trouble with haylege allergy wise because of course it is slightly damp so the spores (if any) are not airborne. I'd be amazed if you reacted badly to haylege. I do know the name of a lab that a friend had straw analysed at for mycotoxins. It cost about £150.

I buy packs of paper masks from the chemists (like the ones surgeons wear) and leave supplies around my yard so I'm never too far from one if needed.

 

[flyingfeet]

Humm bugger - thnk we are changing back to hay this year from Haylage as was expensive to make last year.

I thought as haylage had more interesting yeast and mould growing on it most of the time, it might have proved to have a higher spore load.

Now bidding on ebay for packs of surgical masks - thought they looked nicer than the rigid type. Thanks for the tip!

Having just had my sinus freshly operated on, I'm quite keen to keep them fungi free!