Calcium propionate has the following important functions as a feed additive:
1.Anti – mould Function
1.1 Principle of Inhibiting Mould Growth
– Calcium propionate is an acidic mould – inhibitor. Mould growth requires suitable environmental conditions, among which pH value is a key factor. After calcium propionate enters the feed environment, it will decompose into propionic acid. Propionic acid can reduce the pH value of the feed, making the acidity and alkalinity of the feed unsuitable for the growth and reproduction of mould. Most moulds grow well in a neutral to slightly acidic environment, and the acidic environment created by propionic acid is beyond the suitable range for mould growth.
– For example, in a humid environment, feed is easily contaminated by moulds such as Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin, a highly toxic substance produced by Aspergillus flavus, can cause serious damage to the liver and other organs of animals. The addition of calcium propionate can effectively inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus, thus reducing the production of aflatoxin and ensuring the safety of feed.
1.2. Extension of Feed Shelf – life
– Due to the powerful anti – mould function of calcium propionate, it can significantly extend the storage time of feed. During the production, transportation and storage of feed, factors such as changes in humidity and temperature in the environment are likely to lead to mould growth. Adding an appropriate amount of calcium propionate to various feed types such as compound feed and silage can maintain the freshness and quality of the feed for months or even longer. For example, in silage, there are usually a large number of nutrients such as sugars, which are a good substrate for mould growth. The addition of calcium propionate can inhibit mould activity, enabling the silage to remain in good condition during months of storage without losing its nutritional value due to mould.
2. Provision of Nutrition
2.1. Calcium Source Supplementation
– Calcium propionate is a calcium salt, and the calcium element in it can be absorbed and utilized by animals. Calcium is one of the essential mineral elements for the growth and development of animals and plays an important role in physiological functions such as the formation of bones and teeth, muscle contraction and nerve conduction. In animal feed, especially in feed formulations with a relatively lack of calcium sources, calcium propionate can be used as an effective calcium supplement.
– For example, in the feed of young animals, such as piglet feed or chick feed, they have a relatively high demand for calcium. The addition of calcium propionate can help meet their calcium – nutrition requirements and promote the healthy development of bones. Compared with other calcium sources, calcium propionate has better stability and palatability and does not have a great negative impact on the taste of feed, so animals are more likely to accept feed containing calcium propionate.
Application
1. Scope of Application
It is applicable to various animal feeds, such as pig feed, chicken feed, cattle feed, etc., especially for feeds that are prone to mold contamination, like protein – based feed, fish bait feed, and complete feed.
2. Recommended Dosage Instructions
It is recommended to add calcium propionate to feed at a dosage of 1–3kg per ton of feed.
2.1 Poultry: With high calcium requirements, it is recommended to add 2–3kg of calcium propionate per ton of feed.
2.2 Pigs: Growing and farrowing pigs have relatively low calcium requirements, so 1–2kg per ton of feed is sufficient.
2.3 Breeding & Lactating Animals: Breeding pigs, lactating sows, growing-finishing cattle and dairy cows have high calcium requirements. It is recommended to add 1–2kg of calcium propionate per ton of feed. If the calcium content in the feed is insufficient, the dosage of calcium propionate should be increased to meet the animals’ calcium needs.
2.4 Aquatic Animals: The dosage of calcium propionate in aquatic feed is usually low, about 1kg per ton of feed. If the calcium content in the feed is low, the dosage of calcium propionate needs to be increased to meet the animals’ calcium needs.
3. Instructions & Cautions
1) Adjust according to feed characteristics and environmental conditions**: Factors such as the storage time, moisture content, nutritional components of the feed, external environment, post – processing state, and packaging will affect the probability of feed mildew and, consequently, the usage amount of calcium propionate. For example, in high – temperature and high – humidity seasons, when the feed has a high moisture content and a long storage time, the addition amount of calcium propionate should be appropriately increased.
2) Uniform mixing: When using it, it is necessary to ensure that calcium propionate is evenly distributed in the feed to give full play to its anti – mold and nutritional – supplement functions and avoid the influence of local over – concentration or under – concentration on the effect.
3) Avoid using with certain substances simultaneously: Calcium propionate is an acid – type preservative. When using a leavening agent, it is not advisable to use it because the formation of calcium carbonate may reduce the ability to produce carbon dioxide.
PS: Heathy Chemical reserves the final right of interpretation for the article.
