OKAPI Sulphur Plus (MSM)

Supports skin, hair, and hooves

Pure MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
Contains sulphur, an important building block for all keratin structures
For horses with increased sulphur requirements (e.g., during coat change)
For horses with increased nutrient needs in the musculoskeletal system

As low as £25.90

Incl. 0% VAT

£51.80 / 1 kg

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In stock

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SKU

058

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Product Description

OKAPI Sulphur Plus is pure MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), which is approved as a single feed for horses. It consists of highly bioavailable, organically bound sulphur. Sulphur plays a key role in various metabolic processes in the body, including the formation of horn structures such as the mane, coat, and hoof capsule. Therefore, horses that are prone to poor hoof quality, brittle or thin mane and tail hair, or issues during the coat change particularly benefit from improved sulphur intake. Additionally, the skin has a high demand for this mineral, so it is important to consider whether a sulphur deficiency might be contributing to skin issues, especially in horses with conditions like eczema.

What is less commonly known is that the musculoskeletal system also requires a significant amount of sulphur, especially tendons, ligaments, and joints. Sulphur is essential for the formation of the important amino acid cysteine, which helps to strengthen proteins. Additionally, cysteine plays a vital role in keeping the airways moist, helping to prevent “irritation cough.” As a result, many horses that are prone to coughing from dusty hay may have a sulphur deficiency.

On the flip side, when supplementing with Sulphur Plus, a horse that had previously shown no symptoms may suddenly start coughing. In such cases, it is usually due to accumulated mucus, for example, in the sinuses or lower airways, which is now being naturally mobilised because the body can produce more cysteine. The body will try to expel the liquefied mucus through coughing and snorting. If coughing or nasal discharge occurs, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified veterinarian or therapist to identify the cause. To help you find professional support, our partner Sanoanimal works with a network of qualified therapists.

Studies have shown that horses with disorders in the large intestine, often accompanied by inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes, frequently also have a sulphur deficiency. More research is needed to fully understand these connections, but it does suggest why we are seeing more horses with a sulphur imbalance today than we did a few decades ago when feeding practices were more closely aligned with natural diets.

If horses are grazing on well-maintained pastures with good growth, their sulphur needs are usually easily met. However, on overgrazed or dried-out pastures or during the winter season, it is possible that the sulphur intake from hay and mineral feed is insufficient. Furthermore, if a horse has been supplemented with organic selenium for a prolonged period, for example, through mineral supplements or selenium-based feed additives, it can lead to a sulphur deficiency, as sulphur works in tandem with selenium. This deficiency often becomes apparent during the coat change period, a time when sulphur is in higher demand. In such cases, we recommend supplementing with Sulphur Plus for a period of six to eight weeks to restore the body’s sulphur reserves.

Therefore, the sulphur requirements of horses are a complex matter. For further information and insight, we suggest consulting with our partner Sanoanimal.

OKAPI Sulphur Plus is suitable for adult horses of all ages and breeds.

OKAPI Sulphur Plus can be easily combined with other products.

Feeding recommendations

We recommend not feeding Sulphur Plus permanently, as it can interact with other minerals and potentially disrupt the overall mineral balance. Instead, it should be given for a period of 6–8 weeks, followed by a break of at least 2 weeks. It’s also important to offer a good mineral feed to ensure that the mineral balance is not altered too much in one direction due to the targeted sulphur supplementation. Providing a high-quality mineral feed is especially important during the break after feeding sulphur, to help rebalance other minerals.

If a horse tends to show signs of sulphur deficiency, it’s essential to investigate the underlying cause of the problem. Often, the consequences of sulphur deficiency are merely outward signs of a deeper disruption in the natural metabolic regulation that needs to be addressed. In such cases, it’s worthwhile to work with a competent therapist, which you can find through our partner Sanoanimal´s Therapist Network.

OKAPI Sulphur Plus can be directly incorporated into the horse’s existing feed.

How do I calculate the correct dosage for my horse?

To calculate the appropriate amount of OKAPI Sulphur Plus (MSM) for your horse, follow these steps:

1. Determine your horse’s weight:
Your horse’s weight can be determined using scales, a weight tape or an app such as the BCI App from our partner Sanoanimal, available for free on Google Play and Apple Store.

2. Use the feeding recommendation as your starting point:
The general recommendation for OKAPI products is based on a 600 kg horse. Horses receive 1-2 scoops (1 scoop = 16g) per day with feed; ponies should receive half this amount, depending on their size.

3. Adjust the amount to your horse’s weight:
For example, for a horse weighing 300 kg:
32 g ÷ 600 kg × 300 kg = 16g per day

This calculation can be used to determine the appropriate amount for horses of different weights.

- 1,000g sufficient for approximately 1–2 months
- 2,500g sufficient for multiple horses

Composition

Composition: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Analytical components and contents: Sulfur: 37.40%

Our Sulphur Plus is 100% pure Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), meaning it is organically bound sulphur. The sulphur atom is bonded to oxygen and methyl groups. The molecular formula is therefore C2H6O2S. The individual components (carbon or oxygen) have different specific weights, as can be seen in the periodic table of elements that everyone may remember from their school chemistry class. When analysing the molecule “Methylsulfonylmethane,” it results in 34% by weight of sulphur atoms, with the remaining 66% consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. For feeding purposes, it is important to know that this is 100% MSM, although the feed law requires the sulphur content to be stated.

Feed Material for horses

Horses with a sulphur requirement can show a whole range of health problems, but these can also have other causes. Please feel free to contact us in individual cases to find out whether OKAPI Sulphur Plus (MSM) is suitable for your horse. A balanced diet has to be a given, and an appropriate mineral feed should be supplied, such as OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance for example.