Animal feed and nutrition chemicals and ingredients

Amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and valine let nutritionists formulate diets closer to the animal's needs with less crude protein, which lowers cost and nitrogen emissions. Vitamins and trace minerals are usually supplied through premixes, and the choice between sulfates, oxides and organic chelates affects bioavailability and cost. Acidifiers and preservatives protect feed and support gut health, especially since antibiotic growth promoters were banned or restricted in many countries.

Feed additives are regulated. In the EU, only authorised additives may be used, often for named species and with maximum levels, and suppliers typically hold feed safety certification such as FAMI-QS or GMP+. Other countries have registration systems for feed ingredients and premixes. Buyers should ask for the active content, carrier, particle size, heavy metal and dioxin data, the authorisation status in their market and certificates of analysis for each lot. Compare prices on the basis of the active nutrient rather than the product weight. When you post a request, state the species, the form, the active level and the packaging you need, together with any registration documents.