Calcium carbonate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula of CaCO ₃, commonly known as limestone, limestone, stone powder, etc. Calcium carbonate is alkaline, basically insoluble in water and soluble in hydrochloric acid. It is one of the common substances on the earth. It exists in aragonite, calcite, chalk, limestone, marble, travertine and other rocks. It is also the main component of some animal bones or shells.

Calcium carbonate is used as feed nutrition enhancer to strengthen the nutritional value of basic feed.

Calcium carbonate in its feed-grade form serves several functions and has various applications in animal nutrition. Here are its functions and applications:

1. Calcium Source: Calcium carbonate is primarily used as a source of supplemental calcium in animal feed. Calcium is an essential mineral required for bone formation, muscle function, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and various other physiological functions in animals. Supplementing calcium carbonate in feed helps meet the dietary calcium requirements of animals, particularly in situations where calcium deficiency may occur.

2. Bone Development and Health: Calcium is a major component of bone tissue and is essential for bone formation, growth, and mineralization in animals. Adequate calcium levels in the diet support skeletal development, bone strength, and overall bone health in young growing animals, as well as bone maintenance and integrity in mature animals. Calcium carbonate supplementation contributes to optimal bone mineralization and reduces the risk of skeletal disorders such as rickets and osteomalacia.

3. Muscle Contraction and Nerve Function: Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting in animals. Calcium ions play a crucial role in regulating muscle contraction by interacting with proteins in muscle cells. Adequate calcium levels support proper muscle function, coordination, and nerve signaling, ensuring optimal performance and movement in animals.

4. Eggshell Formation: In poultry, calcium carbonate is particularly important for eggshell formation. Hens require significant amounts of calcium to produce eggs with strong and healthy shells. Adequate calcium supplementation, often in the form of calcium carbonate, ensures that hens have the necessary calcium to lay eggs with optimal shell quality, reducing the risk of egg breakage and improving overall egg production efficiency.

5. Buffering Agent: Calcium carbonate can act as a buffering agent in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. It helps maintain the pH balance and acidity levels in the stomach and intestines, creating an environment conducive to proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Buffering properties of calcium carbonate can also help prevent acidosis and digestive disturbances in animals, particularly in high-concentrate diets.

6. Feed Additive: Calcium carbonate may also serve as a feed additive to improve the palatability, flowability, and handling characteristics of animal feeds. It can be used as a powdered form, facilitating uniform mixing and distribution of calcium in feed formulations. Its inclusion in feed helps ensure consistent nutrient content in each feed batch, resulting in enhanced feed intake and utilization by animals.

7. Regulatory Compliance: Calcium carbonate used in feed applications complies with regulatory standards and guidelines established by food and feed safety authorities. Its use in animal feed is regulated to ensure safe and effective use without compromising animal health or product quality.

8. Application in Various Animal Feeds: Calcium carbonate feed grade can be incorporated into various types of animal feeds, including poultry, swine, cattle, and aquaculture diets, to provide calcium supplementation, support bone development and health, improve muscle function and nerve transmission, enhance eggshell formation in poultry, act as a buffering agent in the digestive tract, and improve feed quality and handling. Its versatility makes it suitable for use in different production systems and environments.

In summary, calcium carbonate feed grade serves as an essential nutritional supplement in animal nutrition, providing calcium necessary for bone development, muscle function, eggshell formation, buffering, and overall metabolic function in animals. Its applications extend to various animal species and production systems, contributing to overall animal health, welfare, and productivity.