Limestone powder, also known as stone powder, is a fine, white or off-white material produced by grinding high-quality natural limestone. It primarily consists of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), containing over 35% pure calcium, making it one of the most cost-effective and accessible sources of calcium for various applications. When heated at high temperatures, limestone transforms into calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime. This substance can then be mixed with water to form lime milk, which reacts with carbon dioxide to produce precipitated calcium carbonate—a high-purity, fine, and lightweight form of calcium carbonate. This product typically contains more than 95% calcium carbonate, with calcium content ranging between 34% and 38%, depending on the geological conditions of the original limestone.
The composition of limestone powder, based on dry matter, includes approximately 96.9% ash, 35.89% calcium, 0.03% chlorine, 0.35% iron, 0.027% manganese, and 0.06% magnesium. Beyond its use as a calcium supplement, limestone powder is widely utilized in Animal Feed as a filler or carrier for trace minerals. However, not all limestone is suitable for feed use. The presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and fluorine must be strictly controlled to ensure safety. Some limestones may contain higher levels of toxic elements, making them unsuitable for livestock or poultry consumption.
Feed-grade limestone should have a magnesium content below 0.5% and limited levels of harmful heavy metals. The appropriate amount of limestone powder depends on the type of animal and its growth stage. In general, it is used in compound feeds for livestock and poultry at a rate of 0.5% to 2%. For layer hens and breeding chickens, this can increase up to 7% to 7.5%. However, excessive use can reduce the digestibility of organic nutrients and cause kidney damage in young birds, leading to urate buildup and potential kidney stones. In laying hens, too much limestone powder can result in thin, granular deposits on eggshells, affecting the quality and passing rate of eggs. It is recommended to combine limestone powder with organic calcium sources like shell powder in a 1:1 ratio for better absorption and balance.
The particle size of limestone powder plays an important role in its effectiveness. For pigs, a medium particle size of 26 to 36 mesh is ideal, while for poultry, 26 to 28 mesh is preferred. Coarser particles are beneficial for laying hens, helping maintain blood calcium levels and supporting strong eggshell formation. However, very coarse particles may affect the uniformity of feed mixing. Limestone is processed into calcium carbonate through a calcination and precipitation process, producing a high-quality product that meets national standards for feed use. This product is light, fine, and rich in calcium, making it a valuable component in animal nutrition.
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