OKAPI Ready-to-Feed Ration Balancer

What is OKAPI Ration Balancer?

The term “Ration Balancer” originates from English-speaking countries and refers to a protein- and mineral-rich feed supplement designed to complement forage. It differs from a mineral feed in that, while mineral feeds primarily serve to prevent mineral deficiencies by providing concentrated minerals and trace elements, a Ration Balancer also includes a protein source.

The concept behind the Ration Balancer is that horses derive most of their nutrients from hay and pasture grass, and the additional feeding of grain- or starch-rich concentrate feed should be avoided. However, forage does not always contain sufficient protein to meet the needs of a horse in full work. If only mineral feed is added to the diet, mineral deficiencies may be corrected, but there remains a risk of protein deficiency.

Protein is essential for building muscle, forming skin and hair, and regenerating and maintaining body structures such as hoof horn, tendons, and fasciae. Therefore, an adequate protein supply is crucial for growth, muscle development, and daily recovery.

The OKAPI Ration Balancer compensates for deficiencies in minerals, trace elements, and protein in forage, making additional feed unnecessary. This greatly simplifies feeding, particularly for horse owners who are not able to be see their horse every day. The Ration Balancer is grain-free and contains no starch. Instead, we use green oats as a protein source. While green oats contain less protein than sainfoin, their high-quality amino acid profile enhances the overall protein content of the diet without causing an energy surplus that could lead to unwanted weight gain.

Green oats are oat plants harvested during the panicle emergence stage, just before flowering. At this stage, they are high in cellulose and contain good protein levels while being low in sugar, as starch formation has not yet begun. Green oats should not be confused with oat grain. Combined with a balanced mix of minerals and trace elements, the Ration Balancer ensures that horses fed on forage from average soil quality are optimally nourished.

Is OKAPI Ration Balancer suitable for my horse?

The OKAPI Ration Balancer is ideal for leisure horses aged between 1.5 and approximately 20 years. During the growth phase between weaning and 18 months of age, when young horses experience rapid increases in size and weight, their feeding should be tailored to their breed and expected adult size. After this phase, when growth slows, the Ration Balancer is an excellent choice for meeting protein and mineral requirements.

For horses over 20 years of age, who often suffer from dental issues and reduced nutrient absorption due to digestive disorders (malabsorption syndrome), regular adjustments to their diet may be necessary. In these cases, the ration should be customised to suit the individual needs of each horse. Similarly, for broodmares and performance horses, we recommend a tailored feeding plan to meet the specific demands.

The Ration Balancer is particularly well-suited to leisure horses and amateur sport horses. The small pellets can be fed without soaking, as they are easy to chew. This makes it convenient to provide essential protein and minerals, especially when feeding is managed by the yard owner.

Can I combine OKAPI Ration Balancer with other products?

The Ration Balancer can also be combined with other feed products to address additional metabolic needs. These include products like OKAPI Seaonal Feed, which provides the herbs that wild horses instinctively seek in nature but are often absent from hay or modern pastures. During the winter months, the diet can be further diversified with supplements such as OKAPI Wild Seeds, OKAPI Wild Berries, OKAPI Leaves and Bark, and OKAPI Rosehips.