Our 5-Stage Process in Achieving Precision Nutrition
Our winning formula and high-performance products are a result of our Precision Nutrition strategy. Designed by the RED MILLS team, our scientifically advanced equine nutrition and healthcare solutions maximise your horse’s potential and performance:
1. Raw materials
2. Quality assurance
3. Advanced cooking technology
4. Progest premix technology
5. Nutritional services
Delivering premium horse feed and nutrition solutions through our pioneering precision nutrition strategy
From the sourcing of raw materials to our advanced cooking and progest premix technology, the RED MILLS team pays careful attention to detail when overseeing every step in our manufacturing and production processes to ensure the most optimal equine health and nutrition solutions are delivered to our customers and their horses. Additionally, our expert nutritional services further enhance the well-being and performance of our customers' horses.
Raw Materials
Our raw ingredients are carefully selected to formulate a unique feed for high-performance horses. Natural high-grade wholegrain carbohydrates and proteins are at the centre of each formulation. Carbohydrates are a major source of energy, often referred to as “fast-release” or “slow-release” energy sources.
Oats, barley, maize and wheat are natural sources of protein and—when supplemented with soya—provide a range of amino acids targeted for performance and rapid recovery. Protein has various roles in the body, with requirements pertaining to both age and workload.
Natural ingredients and materials
Our highly experienced agronomists work hand-in-hand with local and international grain producers and suppliers, ensuring that all raw materials meet strict specifications for optimal performance. We source our raw materials through contracts with only the most trusted global ingredient suppliers. Approximately 40% to 50% of our products are grown by our local growers within the region. South-East Ireland has some of the most fertile lands, with Connolly’s RED MILLS being very fortunate to have some of the best grain producers in the world providing us with premium-quality oats, barley and wheat.
We import our soya bean from America, sunflower from France, lucerne from Holland, and beet pulp from Germany, to name a few. Our contracted suppliers are aware that these materials are destined for our renowned horse feed. Only the highest standard is accepted, from processing and shipping to storage and the handling at ports, with our logistics partners being our first set of eyes. Additionally, an important role is taken on by ensuring that all raw materials meet the required standards before entering our mill.
Quality Assurance
Stringent quality control procedures are exercised within our on-site laboratories for the analysis and testing of raw materials and finished products. Nutritional standards are met, with all raw ingredients undergoing various testing methods as soon as they enter our laboratory.
We test for Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS), using the same technology utilised at the Olympics to test for prohibited substances in all raw ingredients and finished products to ensure only the finest quality products are packaged and distributed to our customers. Product samples are tested to ensure they reflect the level of quality expected, incorporating high-technology processes and stages up until the finished product to guarantee consistent nutritional standards.
Advanced Cooking Technology
Grains are an important source of energy which is mainly derived from the starch found in the centre of the grain. However, horses find it hard to digest unprocessed starch. By processing our horse feed, we help to maximise the digestibility of nutrients in the small intestine and minimise the risk of digestive disorders.
We have developed some of the most technologically advanced manufacturing processes in the world, including steam cooking, double pelleting, extrusion, and micronisation. The combination of these four in-house feed and food processes ensures that RED MILLS feeds are carefully cooked to achieve maximum digestibility and that all nutrients are made readily available to the horse during digestion.
Progest Premix Technology Ensures Precision Nutrition in Every Connolly's RED MILLS Bag
Progest premix technology is part of the five-stage precision nutrition process which has been developed by the Connolly’s RED MILLS technical team.
Our RED MILLS Pro Balance vitamin and mineral package is scientifically formulated and contains vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, all of which are carefully balanced to ensure uptake and activity within your horse’s body.
Consistent nutrition is the key to performance and development throughout the equine training and breeding process. The Connolly’s RED MILLS Pro Balance vitamin and mineral package offers that consistency and allows for a customised horse feeding programme. If the need arises, this allows for feeds to be combined, which enables a flexible feeding system that is unique to each horse’s requirements. Specialised diets can be chosen or combined according to the level of protein and the type of carbohydrate required without having to be concerned about rations being unbalanced.
Premixes are blends of vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients which—although only making up a small percentage of a finished feed—are vital components needed for both the health and performance of the horse.
Connolly’s RED MILLS is proud to be one of the only feed companies that manufacture its own vitamin and mineral premixes at our bespoke, state-of-the-art premix facility. This added control allows us to test and analyse our tailor-made blends before and after feed production. This ensures that all finished feeds meet our specified nutritional declarations and that all beneficial ingredients remain functional for the duration of their shelf life.
All our unique blends of vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients have been thoroughly researched to ensure they are scientifically balanced for optimal absorption and function within the horse’s body.
Nutritional Expertise
Connolly’s RED MILLS are innovators and leaders in the field of equine nutrition and technology. The technical team leading the research is actively engaged with the industry, offering analytical services and expert advice whilst gathering valuable feedback from customers to drive the development of new products, services and technologies.
Nutritional Services:
**Terms and Conditions apply
- 1
Forage analysis: analysing the quality of your forage to aid your horse’s diet
This is done to determine the forage quality by reviewing nutrient concentration and digestibility. Our nutritionists can then use this information to ensure your horses are receiving a balanced diet that provides them with all they need for top performance.
- 2
Dietary analysis: ensuring an overall balanced diet and optimal equine performance
This allows our nutritionists to analyse the current diet and ensure it’s balanced, appropriate for the horse, and cost-effective. They can address any clinical conditions, such as tying up and ulcers, and help to overcome poor performance issues to make sure your horse maintains its condition and performance throughout the season.
- 3
Soil and pasture analysis: expert analysis of soils and pastures for future management
With the support of our agronomists, we can offer a full nutrient analysis of soils and pastures, check for mineral levels, and advise on grassland management and fertiliser regimes.
- 4
Nutrition plans: addressing the unique needs of your horse’s well-being and performance
Once a dietary analysis is complete, our team can develop bespoke nutrition plans reflecting individual needs and requirements to aid health, well-being and performance.
- 5
NOPS training: growing your team’s knowledge with training from our experts
Our team is available to deliver training on Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances to you and your staff.
