Donkey Friendly Salt
Kate Jones. Senior Nutritionist, NAF.
Further to recent reports in the equine press we feel it’s important that we make our position clear with regard to Himalayan Salt Licks. Sourcing quality ingredients is key to everything NAF produces.
Quality Product
The mining and distribution of NAF’s Himalayan Salt Licks does not use, at any point, donkeys or camels to transport the licks. Neither is child labour used anywhere in bringing these Salt Licks to your horse. Our Salt Licks are mined from the largest mine in the well known salt mining area of Warcha that is used to produce human grade salt. The salt is of premium quality and maintains a uniform colour and consistency which is too hard for horses to bite and that won’t come away in chunks.
Pic 1: Natural salt awaiting processing into Himalayan Salt Licks.
Trace Elements
Himalayan Salt Licks are obviously a totally natural form of that most essential of nutrients - the electrolyte, salt (sodium chloride). Salt is required by horses on a daily basis, and is the one nutrient that horses will actively seek out and self-supplement. This makes hanging a Himalayan Salt Lick in the stable or field the ideal way for your horse to help himself to what he needs.
However, there have been questions raised over a number of other nutrients, both beneficial and harmful, that may be present. NAF Himalayan Salt Licks are analysed and shown to be predominantly sodium chloride, with natural trace levels of other beneficial nutrients including sodium’s fellow electrolytes, magnesium and potassium. While we don’t suggest that Himalayan Salt Licks are used as a broad spectrum product, the trace levels of other beneficial nutrients found will only benefit your horse’s health. No contamination from heavy metal ions or other harmful elements has been found in our products.
Salt transportation
NAF salt is transported from the mine using small trucks and tractors. The mine from which the salt is sourced is so large that from the furthest point it takes a truck carrying around 8 – 10 tons of salt over two hours just to reach the entrance to the mine – no job for a donkey!
Picture 2: The fully mechanised operation deep within the salt mine at Warcha.
The licks are then hand carved by experienced workers to achieve the flat faces and drilled to create the hole through the middle drilled out, before being washed with fresh water. A combination of trucks and trains then transport the salt licks to the docks for their onward journey.
Picture 3: Salt licks going from the truck to train.
Fully Accredited
Finally, we know our products are of premium quality and entirely ethically sourced, but don’t just take our word for it – check our accreditation. NAF are fully accredited as feed manufacturers under the UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme) scheme, which is a globally recognised quality standard guaranteeing both the quality of our manufacture and that of our suppliers. As you can see from the pictures above, we can demonstrate full traceability from the point of mining to delivering to your local NAF outlet. To ensure the quality of your horse’s supplements check the label for the UFAS logo.
Picture 4: Check all supplements carry the UFAS logo for guaranteed quality.
Finally, as with all things in life, there is a huge diversity of good and bad standards in salt mining. Unfortunately it’s true that poor animal welfare and safety standards have been reported in the smaller, poorer quality mines. If the manufacturer for your Himalayan Salt Lick can’t show proof of their quality, and particularly if they are not UFAS accredited, then there may be reason to be suspicious.
Picture 4: Check all supplements carry the UFAS logo for guaranteed quality.
In the interests of equine safety and welfare worldwide – from donkeys to your own horse – ensure you buy only from a known, approved manufacturer.
NAF Himalayan Salt Licks are a fantastic way to naturally and economically provide your horse with the daily salt that he requires for health and vitality. Particularly important over the summer month, when salt is lost through sweat, ensure that you hang a NAF Himalayan Salt Lick in both the field and stable so he can self-supplement at will.
