Feed, Bedding and Water

1. Feed and Bedding

   As a general rule, feed, feed additives and bedding are provided by JRA. Feed, feed additives and bedding other than those provided by the JRA are discouraged while in Japan. Feed and bedding used during airplane travel must be disposed of upon arrival at the airport in Japan. Any other feed, etc., brought into the country must be kept in JRA's custody until after the race.

2. Precautions on Quarantine

  If you wish to import feed, or feed additives for your horse, you must obtain a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Agricultural Department of your country. In addition, upon arrival in Japan, feed, or feed additives, must be cleared by the Plant and Animal Quarantine Department and Customs, and pass Physico-chemical tests conducted by the Laboratory of Racing Chemistry. It takes about 15 days to complete these procedures.

  Therefore, if your horse must have feed, or feed additives that cannot be replaced by JRA provisions mentioned in " List of Feed ", please contact the JRA Representative Office at least 20 days prior to your horse's arrival. Please note that if you fail to notify our office 20 days in advance, you may not be able to use your feed or feed additives immediately after arrival.

LIST OF FEEDS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE IN JAPAN (PDF) (click here to download)

3. Water

  All JRA facilities are furnished with complete water and sewerage service. The water from the waterworks is potable water, which more than satisfies the standards prescribed by law.

  The quality of water is soft compared to North American and European countries. According to the Government officials who tested the quality, drinking water in Japan ranks top-class in the world.