Overview of the Classification of Trace Element Additives

1. Inorganic Trace Elements

The feed industry in China began in the 1980s, growing rapidly alongside the country’s economic development. Initially, the importance and value of trace elements were not well understood, and industrial-grade sulfates and oxides were simply added to animal feed as trace element sources. In recent years, however, with increasing awareness of food safety and environmental protection, the shortcomings of using sulfates, oxides, hydrochlorides, and other inorganic salts have become more apparent. These raw materials can no longer be simply added to feed, and the industry urgently needs to upgrade and replace them. Currently, Fantast Bio Tech produces a range of inorganic trace elements, including low-chloride zinc sulfate and low-chloride manganese sulfate.

2. Basic Trace Element Salts

Since the 1990s, the U.S. has developed and widely used basic trace element salts as feed additives. For example, basic copper chloride has been used extensively as a copper source in animal feed, capturing more than 25% of the U.S. market. Since 2003, a company in Changsha has been at the forefront of developing basic salts in China, introducing products like basic copper chloride and basic zinc chloride. These products overcome the limitations of traditional inorganic trace elements and have quickly gained acceptance in the market. Currently, Fantast Bio Tech is also focused on promoting basic inorganic trace elements.

3. Organic Acid Salts of Trace Elements

Organic acid salts of trace elements are produced by reacting trace elements with organic acids. These compounds are known for their good stability, resistance to interference, high bioavailability, and effective absorption by animals. However, they can sometimes show biochemical instability and inconsistent effects on animal growth, making them less widely accepted or adopted in the industry. As a result, the use of these products remains in the experimental or trial phase.

4. New Organic Trace Element Chelates

New organic trace element chelates include amino acid chelates, protein salt chelates, and small peptide chelates. The first amino acid chelates were developed in the 1970s by the ALBICN laboratories in the U.S. These chelates, where amino acids serve as ligands, represent high-value trace element products and have significant economic benefits. China began researching amino acid chelates in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with major national research programs during the "Eighth Five-Year Plan." By 2000, these products began to be promoted on a small scale. They showed excellent feeding results and were well-received by feed companies due to their favorable economic impact. Currently, research and application of amino acid trace element chelates have reached a new level, with expanded usage not only in livestock and poultry but also in aquaculture, making them essential components of high-quality animal feed production.

Conclusion:

In recent years, the feed industry has gained a deeper understanding of the nutritional role of trace elements. The functional effects of these elements have received renewed attention, and Fantast Bio Tech’s trace element products have been widely recognized by the industry.