Knowledge Center · Minerals

Feed minerals: specification and bioavailability

Minerals split into macro (Ca, P, Na, Cl, Mg, K, S) and trace (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, I, Se, Co) categories. The right form — inorganic salt, chelate or proteinate — is a bioavailability and environmental decision, not a supplier one.

Macro vs trace
Inorganic vs organic
Heavy-metal ceilings

Get Free Quotes

Project references

Visual scope of knowledge center · minerals

Macro minerals

Monocalcium and dicalcium phosphate (MCP/DCP), limestone, salt, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide. Phosphorus source dictates fluorine and heavy-metal risk.

Trace minerals

Sulfates and oxides are the workhorses; hydroxychlorides and organic chelates offer higher bioavailability at a premium worth modelling per species.

Heavy-metal limits

Cadmium in phosphates, lead in oxides and arsenic in copper sulfate are the classic risks. Every lot needs ICP-MS verification for exports to the EU and Japan.

Environmental angle

Reducing zinc and copper in pig diets is a regulatory trend across the EU — a formulation lever, not just a compliance one.

1. What equipment do you need? *17 options

2. Type of poultry *

3. Project type *

3b. Project stage *

Tells suppliers how mature the requirement is and how to structure their quote.

4. Estimated CAPEX / procurement value (USD)

Select the bracket that best matches your allocated or anticipated budget. This helps us route the RFQ to suppliers with the right project capacity.

4b. What are you looking for?

Pick all that apply.

4c. Preferred suppliers or brands (optional)

If you already have suppliers or equipment brands in mind, list them (comma-separated). We benchmark them against comparable qualified alternatives — vendor-neutral, no lock-in.

4d. Preferred technical specification (optional)

House size, climate zone, production target, equipment standards, Incoterms, warranty terms, or any must-have scope items. The more specific, the more comparable the quotes.

4e. Target quote submission date (optional)

When do you need supplier proposals back? We align outreach and reminders to this date.

5. Expected decision / award timeline

6. Where & how big?

6b. Farm size

6c. Equipment details (optional)

7. Your contact details *

💬 Anything else? (pick all that apply)

💰 I'd like to explore project financing (equipment, turnkey, or expansion).

📝 Project description (optional — helps suppliers quote faster)

Free for buyers · Supplier-paid model · No obligation · Human-assisted sourcing

Most buyers receive initial supplier matches within 24–72 hours.

FAQ

Common questions

Are organic trace minerals worth the premium?

Often yes for breeders, layers late in cycle and stressed animals; less clear for grow-out broilers.

What phosphorus source is safest?

Defluorinated MCP with a documented cadmium limit below destination-country regulation.