Calcium Propionate in Feed

Calcium Propionate is used to reduce the possibility of mold development in feeds. It is more effective in an acidic environment. Feeds and feed ingredients are generally slightly acidic (pH of 6 or less), which helps in this regard. The amount of calcium propionate used usually depends on the moisture content of the material being protected, as follows:

Moisture Content	Calcium Propionate Usage
13%	0.1 % (2 lbs./ton)
15%	0.15% (3 lbs./ton)
17%	0.2 % (4 lbs./ton)
19%	0.25% (5 lbs./ton)
21%	0.3 % (6 lbs./ton)

Among the advantages of using calcium propionate is:

1. It is a free-flowing powder, which blends easily with feeds.
2. It is non-toxic to animals.
3. It does not have a harsh odor.
4. It prolongs the shelf life of feeds.
5. It helps prevent molds from changing the composition of feeds.
6. It helps protect livestock and poultry from being fed poisonous molds.

In addition to incorporating calcium propionate in feeds, it can be used in the following two ways:

1. Molds in poultry houses and in hog and cattle barns can be controlled by dissolving two ounces of calcium propionate per gallon of water per 1000 sq. ft., to be sprayed or otherwise applied to the structure and fixtures such as feeders and waterers.
2. Calcium propionate, at the rate of about one-half pound per animal daily, can be used for the treatment of acetonemia (Ketosis) in dairy cattle.

The symptoms of acetonemia are a marked decrease in mild production accompanied by a severe loss of weight in a very short time, with the animals sometimes going completely "off feed." The animals may also be nervous, with twitching of muscles, and occasionally even have convulsions. Acetonemia can be confirmed by means of the Ross test, which produces a purple color in a sample of urine from the cow, indicating the presence of abnormal amounts of "ketone bodies." This accumulation of "ketone bodies" and a deficiency of blood sugar are responsible for the symptoms of acetonemia.

Federated Mills, Inc., Main Street, P.O. Box 127, Windham, NY 12496-0127. Tel: 518-734-5400; Fax: 518-734-5805.