

Those wishing to donate first choose their favorite horses registered on the Nama Bokuso Bank website, and then purchase fresh fodder. In October last year, the company began its online service, from a desire to “assist both ranches and horses without burdening anybody.” Joko Masuda, 43, senior managing director of the company, then drew inspiration from how owners of racehorses had purchased fresh fodder as gifts for their horses.
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Initially, the company delivered fresh fodder free of charge, but it wasn’t clear how long it could keep this up. Ranch operators came to the company for help. In summer 2021 in the midst of the novel coronavirus crisis, imported animal feeds repeatedly shot up in price due in part to disruptions of maritime transportation. The company cultivates various kinds of fodder at six production sites in and outside Chiba Prefecture, making it possible to provide year-round fresh grass, which is usually grown in summer. In 1990, the company labeled this offering “Nama Bokuso,” and began retail sales. Later, the company intensified production of near-naturally grown fodder. The company, which was established in 1975, has produced feed for racehorses competing at such venues as the Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. This makes it hard to regularly provide fresh feed to retired racehorses and other animals likewise living out their remaining days on ranches. However, fresh fodder cannot be kept for long and is costly. Compared to hay, the fresh stuff just after harvest makes for a special treat for herbivores. “I hope the horses, ranches, horse racing fans - everybody will be happy,” said a company representative.Īccording to the company, their fodder consists mainly of grasses and legumes.

The service also helps to support ranches, which are having to grapple with the surging price of animal feed. More than 200 retired racehorses have been registered on the service, and over 2,000 people have registered themselves to be donors. Under the scheme, fans purchase fresh fodder online and have the company deliver it to their favorite horses. The service is operated by Chuo Bokuso Center Corp., a Yotsukaido, Chiba Prefecture-based company that produces animal feed.
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Winning Ticket, a derby-winning horse who died in February, eats fresh fodder after being sent more than 300 kilograms of the feed.Īn online service called “Nama Bokuso Bank,” or “fresh fodder bank,” has quickly gained popularity among horse racing fans hoping to give retired horses something good to eat.
