Vitamin and Mineral Premixes: From Design to Safe Production

A vitamin and mineral premix (or vitamin & mineral premix) is a specialized blend of essential micronutrients and feed additives that are incorporated into animal feeds. Their production requires strict control at every stage to ensure uniformity, stability, and high bioavailability.

Quality feed minerals and vitamins are vital for animal growth, productivity, and overall health. Producing such premixes is a complex process that combines nutritional science, precision manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

1. Formulation and Design

The design of vitamin and mineral premixes begins with the specific nutritional requirements of each animal species — poultry, pigs, ruminants, fish, and pets.Key factors include age, body weight, production stage, health status, and performance goals.

The inclusion levels of each feed additive are carefully calculated to meet nutritional needs without exceeding legal maximums as defined by the European Union and relevant national authorities.

2. Selection and Preparation of the Carrier

The carrier is an inert material that increases the volume of the premix and ensures even distribution within the feed.It must not react with or bind to active ingredients.An ideal carrier guarantees good flowability, high bioavailability, and long-term stability of the vitamin & mineral premix.

3. Stability of Vitamins and Feed Minerals

Because vitamins are sensitive to light, humidity, heat, and oxygen, they are used in stabilized forms.Raw materials must come from reliable suppliers with appropriate certifications.

When the premix also contains trace minerals or other feed additives, special care must be taken to prevent interactions that could reduce quality or nutrient availability.Suitable antioxidants are also incorporated to prevent oxidation and preserve nutrient potency.

4. Accurate Weighing and Homogeneous Mixing

Each vitamin, trace element, and additive is precisely weighed by trained personnel.Industrial blenders are used for controlled mixing times and speeds to achieve complete homogeneity.

Uniformity throughout the vitamin and mineral premix is essential — it is verified through specialized analytical testing that measures the homogeneity index.

5. Quality Control and Laboratory Testing

At this critical stage, laboratory analyses verify:

• Nutrient content of each vitamin and mineral

• Uniform distribution of active ingredients

• Product stability over time

• Microbiological safety

Only batches meeting strict quality standards are approved for packaging.

6. Packaging and Storage

Packaging is typically done in opaque, durable plastic containers or bags with inner liners that protect against moisture.Storage conditions should remain cool and dry (<25°C, low humidity), away from chemicals and pesticides.Shelf life usually ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on composition and formulation.

Proper handling preserves the integrity and stability of feed minerals and vitamins throughout the product’s life cycle.

7. Labelling and Regulatory Compliance

Clear and accurate labelling is essential for safe use and traceability. Labels must include:

• Product type and intended animal species

• Nutrient composition and feeding instructions

• Dosage recommendations

• Manufacturer’s details, batch number, production and expiry dates

• Any potential interactions or usage restrictions

  
  

Labelling of feed additives and vitamin & mineral premixes is governed by strict EU feed legislation and national regulations, ensuring transparency and consumer safety.

Conclusion

A well-designed vitamin and mineral premix or feed additive is a sophisticated, sensitive product that requires:

• Scientific formulation

• Careful selection of raw materials

• Accurate weighing and uniform mixing

• Rigorous quality control

  
  

Only through this process can manufacturers deliver products that safely and effectively meet animal nutritional needs, comply with legal limits, and remain stable and bioavailable throughout their shelf life.

VitaTrace Nutrition Ltd exemplifies this commitment to quality.

With advanced technology, skilled personnel, and certified systems (GMP+, HACCP, ISO), the company has been a leader in feed premixes and feed additives since 1978 — guaranteeing excellence in quality, stability, homogeneity, and bioavailability.