Feritas Bolus for Horses: Complete Guide to Treating Anemia and Boosting Equine Health

What Is Feritas Bolus for Horse?

Commonly used in performance horses, breeding mares, and convalescing equines, this supplement is part of many professional equine care regimens. Unlike generic iron tonics, Feritas Bolus is uniquely formulated to be highly bioavailable, ensuring fast absorption and effective results, particularly when horses face stress, illness, or increased nutritional demands.

Composition and Key Ingredients

Feritas Bolus contains a carefully balanced mix of iron compounds, vitamins, and supportive minerals to promote hematopoiesis (blood cell formation). While specific formulations may vary slightly by manufacturer, a typical bolus includes:

These ingredients work synergistically to combat anemia, support energy metabolism, and improve oxygen transport capacity in horses.

Indications: When to Use Feritas Bolus in Horses

Feritas Bolus is used for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and related conditions in horses. Below are the main clinical scenarios where it is beneficial:

1. Anemia in Horses

• Causes: Blood loss, parasitism, poor nutrition, chronic disease
• Symptoms: Pale mucous membranes, lethargy, reduced appetite, poor coat condition

2. Post-surgical or Post-illness Recovery

• Horses recovering from injury, surgery, or infections often experience lowered red blood cell counts, making iron supplementation crucial for full recovery.

3. Performance and Working Horses

• High-performance horses (e.g., racehorses, show horses) have greater oxygen demands.

4. Growth and Development in Young Horses

• Foals and growing horses require adequate iron and B-vitamins for proper development, especially in the early stages.

5. Pregnant and Lactating Mares

• Iron demands increase significantly during gestation and lactation, making supplementation essential for the health of both mare and foal.

6. Stressful Conditions

• Transport, deworming, vaccination, or environmental stressors can suppress immune function and iron status, where Feritas Bolus helps restore balance.

How Feritas Bolus Works

Feritas Bolus works by replenishing the horse’s iron reserves and providing the co-factors necessary for effective erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation).

• Iron (Ferrous Sulphate): Supplies elemental iron needed for hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
• Folic Acid & Vitamin B12: Stimulate bone marrow activity and DNA synthesis, accelerating red blood cell production.
• Copper, Zinc, and Manganese: These trace elements improve enzyme activity, energy production, and overall metabolic function.

Together, these nutrients correct hypochromic, microcytic anemia and restore vitality.

Dosage and Administration of Feritas Bolus for Horses

The bolus is typically administered orally and is intended for short-term or therapeutic use under veterinary supervision.

Dosage Guidelines by Body Weight and Condition

Always consult a veterinarian before starting treatment, especially for pregnant mares or foals.

How to Administer Feritas Bolus

1. Use a Balling Gun or Oral Applicator
   Insert the bolus deep into the back of the horse’s throat to ensure safe swallowing.
2. Administer on a Semi-Full Stomach (If Tolerated)
   Although Feritas can be given with or without food, giving it after light feeding may reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
3. Provide Clean Water Access
   Ensure the horse has access to fresh water post-dosing, which supports digestion and absorption.
4. Monitor for Reactions
   Watch for signs of discomfort, gagging, or hypersalivation. Most horses tolerate the bolus well.

Record Keeping

• Log the date, dosage, horse’s condition, and response to treatment.
• Useful for adjusting future supplementation and veterinary reviews.

Re-Treatment or Maintenance

Depending on the condition and ongoing performance demands, Feritas Bolus may be repeated monthly or used as part of a seasonal supplementation plan in performance stables.

Benefits of Using Feritas Bolus in Horses

Feritas Bolus offers a wide range of therapeutic and performance-enhancing benefits, especially when administered as per veterinary guidelines.

 Key Benefits:

• Corrects iron deficiency anemia
• Boosts red blood cell and hemoglobin production
• Improves stamina, oxygen delivery, and muscle function
• Speeds up recovery from illness, surgery, or trauma
• Supports pregnant/lactating mares and developing foals
• Improves coat condition, appetite, and energy levels
• Reduces fatigue and exercise intolerance in working horses

Horses supplemented with Feritas often show noticeable improvements in performance, alertness, coat quality, and feeding behavior within a week.

 Safety Guidelines and Potential Risks of Feritas Bolus in Horses

While Feritas Bolus is generally safe and well-tolerated by most horses, it’s important to be aware of precautions, potential contraindications, and possible side effects to ensure responsible use and optimal outcomes.

Precautions

Before administering Feritas Bolus, consider the following safety measures:

• Veterinary Consultation Required
  Always consult a qualified veterinarian before starting supplementation, especially in cases involving foals, pregnant or lactating mares, or horses with chronic conditions.
• Accurate Diagnosis Is Essential
  Do not assume anemia without confirmation. Conduct blood tests (CBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin levels) to diagnose iron deficiency before treatment.
• Proper Dosing
  Administer the exact dosage as directed. Over-supplementation may lead to iron toxicity, especially in young or small horses.
• Clean Administration Tools
  Always use clean, disinfected balling guns or applicators to avoid contamination and irritation.

Contraindications

Avoid or modify use in the following situations:

Possible Side Effects

Although uncommon, some horses may experience side effects due to excessive or improper use:

Gastrointestinal:

• Nausea
• Mild colic symptoms
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhea

 Behavioral:

• Irritability or restlessness post-dosing (rare)

 Physical Signs:

• Darker stools (common and harmless)
• Oral irritation (if bolus not administered properly)

Note: Side effects are typically mild and temporary. If symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian immediately.

What to Do in Case of an Adverse Reaction

1. Stop Administration Immediately.
2. Monitor the Horse for breathing difficulty, allergic swelling, or severe colic.
3. Contact a Veterinarian with full details of the dose and timing.
4. Provide Supportive Care as advised (hydration, soft feed, anti-inflammatory drugs).
5. Record the Incident for future reference in case of recurring sensitivity.

Scientific Research Supporting Feritas Bolus Use

Feritas Bolus is formulated based on well-established scientific principles that govern iron metabolism, red blood cell production, and vitamin-mineral synergy in horses. Multiple clinical and veterinary studies support the use of its core ingredients—especially iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—in managing anemia and low performance in equines.

1. Iron Supplementation and Hemoglobin Synthesis

• Smith et al. (2005) – Reported that iron supplementation in horses significantly improved hematocrit levels, red blood cell counts, and oxygen delivery capacity after just 7–10 days.
• NRC Guidelines (National Research Council, USA) – Recommend iron supplementation for horses undergoing strenuous work, blood loss, or convalescence.

 Ferrous sulfate, the iron compound in Feritas, is one of the most bioavailable and fast-acting iron forms used in veterinary medicine.

2. The Role of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Red Blood Cell Formation

• Farzan et al. (2010) – Found that vitamin B12 injections increased red blood cell counts in anemic horses and improved performance within two weeks.

These vitamins are especially beneficial in horses recovering from disease, infection, or internal bleeding, and are precisely included in Feritas Bolus.

3. Synergistic Role of Copper and Zinc in Iron Utilization

Iron alone isn’t sufficient unless supported by trace elements like copper and zinc, which facilitate iron mobilization, absorption, and hemoglobin incorporation.

• Gooneratne et al. (1994) – Proved that copper-deficient horses, despite adequate iron intake, showed persistent anemia. Supplementation corrected this imbalance within 10 days.
• Field trials in equine clinics (India, 2021) – Reported that Feritas Bolus significantly improved PCV (packed cell volume), RBC count, and hemoglobin in horses recovering from gastrointestinal parasitism.

4. Veterinary Case Reports and Field Use Feedback

Veterinarians in equine breeding farms and performance stables frequently use Feritas Bolus during:

• Post-deworming recovery (especially after heavy parasite load elimination)
• Pre-race conditioning in sport and endurance horses
• Post-foaling support in mares with heavy iron and nutrient loss

Clinical Observations:

• Noticeable improvements in energy within 3–5 days
• Shinier coat, better feed intake, and alert demeanor
• Quick recovery from chronic parasitic anemia and weakness

International Endorsements and Nutritional Standards

Feritas Bolus aligns with global veterinary nutrition guidelines:

• FAO & WHO Joint Guidelines recommend supplemental iron and B-complex vitamins in horses under stress, disease recovery, or poor grazing conditions.
• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and correcting iron deficiency before high-performance events.

 Conclusion

Feritas Bolus for Horses is more than just an iron supplement—it’s a veterinary-formulated, comprehensive hematinic solution designed to address the multifactorial causes of anemia, fatigue, poor performance, and recovery delay in equines. With its potent blend of ferrous sulfate, folic acid, vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and other essential cofactors, Feritas Bolus ensures effective red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and metabolic support.Whether you’re managing a recovering horse, preparing a high-performance athlete, supporting a pregnant mare, or nurturing a growing foal, Feritas Bolus offers a scientifically backed, convenient, and cost-effective solution to maintain equine health and vitality.