OKAPI Pasturemineral Balancer
Pure minerals and trace elements without synthetic vitamins
3kg sufficient for approximately 2 months
10kg sufficient for approximately 6 months
As low as
£34.90
Incl. 7% VAT,
excl. Shipping Cost
£11.63 / 1 kg
Availability:
In stock
Only %1 left
SKU
053
Prices include VAT; depending on the delivery address, VAT may vary at checkout.
More information.
More information.
What is OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance?
OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance is a granulated mineral feed for horses that contains no added vitamins. It is suitable for year-round feeding of adult horses kept in natural conditions on soils with average nutrient quality. It provides a balanced supply of minerals without the risk of over-supplementation with vitamins, as many vitamins are either produced by the horse or obtained in sufficient quantities through the base diet. For example:
• Vitamin D and Vitamin C are synthesised by the horse.
• B vitamins and Vitamin K are absorbed via the gut flora.
• Vitamins A and E are present in adequate amounts in pasture grass.
OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance is ideal for horses that already receive all necessary vitamins through their base feed. It ensures that only essential minerals are supplemented, without the risk of over-supplying vitamins.
The product can also be offered as a lick bowl, providing a simple and continuous way to ensure its availability.
Is OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance suitable for my horse?
OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance is an excellent choice for adult horses kept in natural conditions. This mineral feed contains no added vitamins, as a well-fed horse typically does not require additional vitamin supplementation. Nutrients are absorbed either through the horse’s own synthesis, via gut flora, or from the base diet, which often already provides sufficient amounts of vitamins such as A and E. OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance helps prevent over-supplementation with vitamins.
For horses whose base feed is low in calcium, such as hay or pasture grass from sandy or moor soils, it is advisable to switch to OKAPI Pasturemineral + Calcium. This product is also vitamin-free but tailored to specific soil conditions. For horses without access to pasture, such as those with significant overweight or special needs, a vitamin-enriched mineral feed like Okapi Mineral Pellets is recommended.
Use the Mineral Feed Advisor to find the optimal mineral feed for your horse.:
https://www.okapi-shop.com/finde-dein-mineralfutter
Can I combine OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance with other products?
OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance can generally be combined well with other feeds. However, it is important to monitor the overall composition of the diet to ensure the horse’s nutritional needs are optimally met.
When managing the mineral supply for horses, care should be taken not to feed mineral supplements and single mineral preparations, such as OKAPI Zinc Plus or OKAPI Sulphur Plus, in the same meal. Many minerals are regulated in the body in relation to one another, and simultaneous intake can interfere with metabolic processing. For instance, additional zinc chelate supplementation may not be utilised effectively if copper from the mineral feed is consumed at the same time. Ideally, one feed should be given in the morning and the other in the evening. If this is not logistically possible, a minimum two-hour interval between feedings is recommended.
Additionally, the product OKAPI Prodic should be offered separately from the mineral feed, as it can bind minerals in the gut, leading to excretion in the manure and reducing nutrient absorption.
How long should I feed OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance ?
The feeding of mineral supplements should be based on the individual needs of the horse. Typically, when a horse has a mineral requirement, it will consume the mineral feed until the need is met, after which it will naturally refuse it. Therefore, it is recommended to offer mineral feed in “mineral courses” rather than continuously, to support the horse’s natural metabolism. This approach mirrors the behaviour of wild horses, which do not have constant access to all minerals in their natural environment. Instead, they replenish their body’s reserves during periods of abundance to utilise them during times of limited availability.
This feeding rhythm enhances the body’s ability to efficiently regulate its mineral reserves and helps prevent over-supplementation, which is particularly common with organic mineral feeds. Mineral feed should only be provided as long as the horse consumes it based on its needs. If a horse consistently craves mineral feed over an extended period, it may indicate metabolic disorders that require therapeutic intervention.
In such cases, it is advisable to consult a qualified practitioner before allowing unrestricted access to mineral supplements, such as mineral licks. Our partner Sanoanimal offers assistance in finding a suitable therapist: https://wissen.sanoanimal.de/therapeuten.
How is OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance fed?
Mineral feed should ideally be offered based on the horse’s needs. A daily ration can be placed in a bowl and offered to the horse. If the horse requires minerals, it will consume the portion provided. Once the horse’s needs are met, it will refuse the feed, indicating that its reserves are sufficiently replenished. In this case, the bowl can be securely stored in a storage cupboard, and the mineral feed can be reintroduced after 2 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, mineral licks can be made available, as they will be used only when needed.
Healthy horses with intact instincts typically consume the amount of mineral feed they require and then ignore it. However, if the horse does not consume the mineral feed over an extended period, it may be beneficial to mix the feed in measured amounts with its regular feed, such as a handful of soaked hay or sainfoin pellets, to replenish its mineral reserves. A complete refusal of mineral feed is more commonly observed in horses with metabolic disorders that affect their ability to regulate mineral intake naturally, or in particularly picky horses that need to gradually adapt to the taste.
How do I calculate the correct dosage for my horse?
To calculate the appropriate dosage for OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance, follow these steps:
Determine your horse’s weight:
The horse’s weight can be measured using a scale, a weight tape, or apps like the BCI App from our partner Sanoanimal, available for free on GGoogle Play and the Apple Store.
Follow the feeding recommendation for OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance:
The general recommendation for OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance is based on a 600 kg horse. The suggested daily amount is 2 to 3 scoops (1 scoop = 25 g), equating to 50 to 75 g per day.
Adjust the dosage:
If your horse weighs 300 kg, the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. The calculation is as follows: 50 g/600 kg × 300 kg = 25 g per day.
This calculation method allows you to determine the appropriate amount of OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance for horses of varying weights.
What is included in OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance?
OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance contains: calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, green meal, grape seed meal, magnesium oxide, and molasses. Nutritional additives per kg: 6,000 mg of zinc (as zinc sulfate monohydrate), 800 mg of iron (as iron(II) sulfate monohydrate), 3,000 mg of manganese (as manganese(II) oxide), 2,000 mg of copper (as copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate), 100 mg of iodine (as calcium iodate, anhydrous), 40 mg of cobalt (as coated cobalt(II) carbonate granulate), and 8 mg of selenium (as sodium selenite).
Analytical constituents: Calcium: 16.00%, Phosphorus: 3.00%, Sodium: 8.00%, Magnesium: 2.50%
Mineral feed for horses
Store in a cool, dry place. Best before: see label.