Calcium sulfate, commonly known as gypsum, is a mineral with two main forms: dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O) and anhydrous (CaSO₄). In traditional industries, it has been widely used in construction, where raw gypsum is calcined into semi-hydrated or anhydrous forms and mixed with water to create a gel-like material. However, its applications extend beyond construction. With ongoing research, calcium sulfate has found significant use in the animal feed industry, particularly as a source of calcium and sulfur for livestock.
In animal nutrition, calcium sulfate serves as a vital supplement, especially for poultry during laying and moulting periods, and for long-haired animals such as rabbits. It helps meet the increased demand for calcium and sulfur, which are essential for growth, feather development, and overall health. Additionally, it can reduce the need for sulfur-based protein sources and plays a role in disease prevention.
For example, when added to the diet of laying hens at a rate of 1–1.5%, it can increase egg production by over 12%. For long-haired rabbits, adding 0.5 g of raw gypsum daily can improve hair quality and increase hair yield by about 20%. In piglets, mixing 1.5% gypsum powder into their feed can lead to better weight gain and feed efficiency.
In aquaculture, calcium sulfate is primarily used in the form of plaster of Paris, either as a binder in fish feed or to control ammonia levels in pond water. It is also used in cryopreservation of crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, helping to reduce stress and maintain activity levels. Gypsum is also employed in eggshell feed production, offering a natural and safe source of calcium.
Beyond these uses, calcium sulfate plays a key role in disease prevention. It is effective in treating infectious bursal disease, reducing the risk of dehydration and calcium deficiency in affected chickens. It also helps manage feather pecking by providing sulfur and improving brain function. In cases of cage fatigue during the laying period, adding gypsum to feed can support calcium absorption and enhance eggshell quality.
Additionally, calcium sulfate aids in combating heat stress in poultry during hot weather. Its cooling properties help reduce the negative impacts of high temperatures on chicken health and productivity. However, it should be used carefully with certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, as it may interfere with their absorption due to interactions with calcium and magnesium.
According to Chinese regulations, calcium sulfate is officially recognized as a feed additive for binding, anti-caking, and stabilizing purposes. While natural gypsum is widely used, industrial by-products like desulfurization and phosphogypsum contain heavy metals that pose risks to both animals and humans, making them unsuitable for feed use.
With increasing consumer demand for safe and high-quality meat products, the use of natural, minimally processed additives like calcium sulfate is gaining attention. As a naturally occurring mineral, it offers a safer alternative to synthetic chemicals, and its long-term use has proven to be beneficial for both animals and humans. Expanding its application and setting clear usage standards will further enhance its value in the livestock and aquaculture industries.
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