Why Limestone is an important animal feed additive
Maintaining the health and performance of livestock is essential to modern agriculture, and minerals play a key role in supporting both. Among the most widely used mineral additives is Limestone, a natural source of calcium that delivers essential nutrients for bone strength, growth, and metabolic health.
At LKAB Minerals, we supply high-purity Limestone for use in the animal feed industry, offering a safe, consistent and effective solution to meet the nutritional needs of poultry, pigs, cattle, and other livestock. But what exactly makes limestone such an important feed additive? In this article, we explore its key benefits, uses, and why our Limestone stands out as a trusted ingredient for responsible and effective livestock nutrition.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It’s found naturally in deposits across the globe and is refined into a fine powder or granular form suitable for agricultural applications. When processed to food-grade specifications, Limestone becomes a versatile and valuable additive in animal nutrition, providing an essential source of calcium.
At LKAB Minerals, our Limestone is carefully sourced and milled to deliver a consistently high-quality product. It is produced to strict standards to ensure it meets feed-grade specifications, with low levels of impurities and optimal bioavailability.
Why is calcium essential in animal feed?
Calcium is a critical mineral in the diets of all livestock. It supports a wide range of physiological functions, including:
- Bone formation and maintenance
- Muscle contraction and nerve transmission
- Enzyme function and hormone regulation
- Eggshell formation in poultry
- Milk production in dairy cows
When livestock don’t receive sufficient calcium, it can lead to a range of health issues, including poor growth, reduced productivity, skeletal deformities, and, in severe cases, metabolic disorders. That’s why calcium supplementation – often in the form of limestone – is a standard practice in animal feed formulation.
Applications across livestock species
Limestone is used in a variety of animal feed applications and adapted to suit different species and farming systems. Here’s how it supports each:
Poultry
In poultry production, calcium is essential for strong eggshells and skeletal health. Limestone is often added to layers’ feed rations to ensure hens receive enough calcium for continuous egg production. The fine particle size allows for efficient digestion and absorption, especially when timed to meet peak calcium demand during shell formation.
Pigs
Growing pigs and breeding sows require adequate calcium for bone development and reproductive performance. Limestone provides a cost-effective way to meet these needs when combined with other mineral supplements.
Cattle and ruminants
In cattle, calcium is vital for milk production, as well as maintaining strong skeletal structures. Limestone is frequently included in feed rations for dairy cows and beef cattle to prevent calcium deficiencies, especially during lactation or rapid growth phases.
Benefits of using LKAB Minerals’ Limestone
Choosing the right limestone source is critical for feed manufacturers and nutritionists. At LKAB Minerals, we supply high-purity, natural Limestone that meets the strictest animal feed quality standards. Our limestone offers the following advantages:
- High calcium content for maximum nutritional value
- Low impurities, ensuring feed safety
- Consistent particle sizing for optimal digestibility
- Reliable supply chain with full traceability
- Sourced and processed in Europe, ensuring compliance with feed legislation
Our Limestone products are suitable for inclusion in both compound feed and premixes, offering flexibility for feed formulators and mill operators. Whether you’re manufacturing feed for large commercial farms or specialist nutrition programs, our Limestone delivers consistent results you can trust.
Supporting environmentally responsible agriculture
Beyond nutritional performance, Limestone also contributes to responsible farming practices. Improving the health and efficiency of livestock reduces waste and improves productivity. Well-balanced nutrition helps animals grow stronger and more efficiently, leading to better resource use across the agricultural supply chain.
Our commitment to responsible mineral sourcing ensures that our Limestone products meet environmental standards while supporting the needs of modern agriculture.
Final thoughts
Limestone may be a simple mineral, but its role in livestock nutrition is anything but minor. As a rich source of calcium, it helps support bone health, egg and milk production, and the overall wellbeing of farm animals. Whether used in poultry, pig, or cattle feed, Limestone is an essential additive in the animal feed industry.
By choosing LKAB Minerals’ feed-grade Limestone, producers and nutritionists gain a reliable, consistent, and high-quality ingredient that contributes to healthier animals and more efficient farming. Explore our Limestone product page to learn more about how it can benefit your feed formulations, or get in touch with our team to discuss your supply needs. You can follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated with our latest news and developments.
