WHICH FOLACTIN SHOILD I CHOOSE?

Courtesy Ranvet

Whether it’s in the stables, or out at studs, Ranvet’s Folactin Range has been tried, tested and trusted for decades. As a premium grade mineral supplement, Folactin is most popular for its calcium contributions to the ration. Folactin presents as a highly palatable powder, which is mixed into the daily ration, at rates ranging from 15g to 120g based on the individual horses’ requirements. Whilst each of the three variations boast similar bases, their individual tailoring makes them slightly better suited to particular conditions.

So, which Folactin is best for my horse? Read on to find out!

Folactin Blue

Folactin Blue is specifically tailored to suit the mineral needs of stabled high-performance horses on high grain feeds. In high grain diets there are various nutritional elements to consider, especially pertaining the high phosphorus loading of grain. High phosphorus requires adequate calcium to ensure a steady Calcium:Phosphorus ratio, ideally at a rate of 2:1. Insufficient calcium to counteract this high phosphorus load can have negative effects on calcium absorption, which in turn impacts skeletal development. When we think of horses in these conditions, whether its racing or performance, pressures on their skeletal system are high, thus placing increased importance on its correct development and maintenance. Folactin Blue also carries a higher loading of Fat-Soluble Vitamins, A and D. These Vitamins are most readily sourced in fresh forage, which is restricted for stabled horses, and thus requires a greater source in the ration.

Folactin Red

Folactin Red on the other hand is best adapted to the paddocked horse. Whether they may be pleasure, performance, breeding, or even retried stock, Folactin Red is tailored to the conditions of having pasture access. With this consideration, a few changes in ingredients arise. We see a reduction in Fat Soluble Vitamins, as they are now sourced via fresh forage, as well as Folic Acid. Most prolifically though we see changes to the Calcium and Phosphorus balance. Now without the excess phosphorus burden of high grain intakes, Folactin Red is adjusted to compliment a more typical paddock horse ration, which consists of a higher roughage than concentrate intake.

Due to its composition and in particular, high Calcium content, Folactin Red is a nutritional supplement commonly called upon to counteract the effects of “Big Head”. This ailment is prominent in horses exposed to Oxalate pastures, such as Kikuyu, where the oxalate antinutrient binds calcium, reducing absorption. This causes calcium supply to run low, and the Ca:P ratio to skew. Thus, the body starts extracting needed calcium from reserves in the skeleton, often starting around the facial bones, causing a swollen, “Big Head” appearance.

Folactin Red Plus

Lastly, Folactin Red Plus. This variation is an extension on Folactin Red, carrying over the properties of paddocked horses. There are however some additional adjustments made to specialise for breeding stock, including mares, stallions, weanlings and yearlings. This includes the introduction of Magnesium, which experiences increased demand in late gestation and lactation. As well as an increase in Zinc and Copper which importantly contribute to correct skeletal development. These nutrients, especially copper, are in low concentrations in the mares’ milk, adding increased importance to pre-lactation supplementation.  

When looking for a high-quality Calcium and Mineral supplement for your horses, the Ranvet Folactin range is your go to, with a variety to suit every type of horse, from the stables to the stud!