700g
Most competition riders are familiar with the phenomenon that their horses can become hypernervous, especially in the summer when they sweat heavily. One of the causes attributed to this is a magnesium deficiency, as magnesium is lost in larger amounts through sweat. When such horses are fed a supplement high in magnesium, their hypernervous behaviour typically normalises within a very short time.
In addition, our Relax also contains the amino acid tryptophan. Under physiological conditions, tryptophan is used in the central nervous system as a precursor for the important neurotransmitter serotonin. In horses, not only magnesium deficiency, but also a lack of serotonin, can lead to hypernervous behaviour. It is often observed that these horses get agitated due to some trigger and then remain agitated for a very long time, even when the initial trigger has long disappeared. A serotonin deficiency is suspected to be the cause of such behavioural issues. One possible cause could be a tryptophan-poor basic feed. In many cases, increasing the amount of tryptophan in the diet can help normalise behaviour, even though the physiological reasons for this are not fully understood.
We recommend OKAPI Relax, especially for supporting competition horses during the competition season, as well as in other mentally stressful situations like transport or moving to a new yard, to optimally support the natural regulatory function of the nervous system during stressful times.
OKAPI Relax is suitable for adult horses of all ages and breeds.
For optimal support of OKAPI Relax, it should be given alongside a mineral supplement, such as OKAPI Pasturemineral Balance. Tryptophan is restricted in competition sports, so please ensure you follow the current doping regulations. Due to its high content of amino acids, this supplement should not be fed in amounts exceeding 1% of the daily ration.
In principle, Relax can be given over extended periods, for example, throughout the summer or even permanently. However, we generally do not recommend the continuous supplementation of dietary supplements. Ideally, through optimising the overall diet and possibly also targeted behaviour training, the goal is to help the horse reach a level of calmness where Relax can be discontinued, and the horse no longer exhibits hypernervous behaviour. The better the horse is provided with all the necessary nutrients through its diet, and the more it learns to cope with stressful situations, the further the daily amount of Relax can be reduced, until it can eventually be completely phased out.
OKAPI Relax can be mixed directly into the horse’s existing feed.
To calculate the appropriate amount of OKAPI Relax 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. Follow the feeding recommendation:
The general recommendation for OKAPI products is based on a 600 kg horse. Horses receive 2-5 scoops (1 scoop = 16g) per day with feed; ponies should receive half this amount, depending on their size. The amount can be doubled if there is an increased requirement.
3. Adjust the dosage:
For example, for a horse weighing 300 kg:
80 g ÷ 600 kg × 300 kg = 40 g per day
This calculation can be used to determine the appropriate amount for horses of different weights.
This feed supplement should only be fed up to 1% of the daily ration due to its high amino acid content.
- 700g sufficient for approximately 1–2 weeks
Composition: Dextrose, Magnesium oxide
Nutritional additives per kg: L-Tryptophan: 15%
Analytical constituents: Crude fibre: 2,60%, Crude protein: 12,70%, Crude fat: 0,20%, Crude ash: 14,40%, Magnesium: 10,00%, Calcium: 0,26%, Phosphorus: 0,01%, Sodium: 0,04%
Complementary feed for horses
To ensure the optimum effect of OKAPI Relax, it should be given together with an OKAPI mineral feed.
Tryptophan has a restricted use in competition, therefore please check the current doping regulations under your governing body.
This feed supplement may only be fed up to 1 % of the daily ration due to its high amino acid content.