I agree with making sure good quality feed is used, but coming from a
reputable dealer isn't a guarentee. The cubes n' botulism incident you
refer to involved alfalfa cubes from Paramount, considered to be very
reputable and one of the biggest here in So Cal. The animal flesh
(actually, it was rabbit) came from the cubing process out in the
hayfields, which no dealer is going to be able to control---the animals
simply are hiding under the mown and cured hay and get swept up into the
machinery. (I happen to know the details because I was boarding Cato at
the LA Equestrian Center at the time and he was fed from the same
batch. Four of the dozen horses that died lived within 100 ft. of
Cato's stall. Yep, you better believe I don't care for cubes.)
I sure agree with you about the need to chew. Entertainment is a big
part of forage. Good point. :-)
Susan