Which Lime Is Used in Animal Feed as a Calcium Supplement?

Which Lime Is Used in Animal Feed as a Calcium Supplement?

Calcium is one of the most essential minerals for livestock and poultry. It is required for strong bones, eggshell quality, milk production, muscle growth, and overall health.
To meet this requirement, the most widely used and safest calcium source in animal feed is food-grade calcium carbonate, a purified natural limestone derivative.

This lime form is highly digestible, affordable, and approved for all animal feed formulations.

Keywords covered: animal feed lime, calcium carbonate for poultry, lime for cattle feed, feed-grade limestone, CaCO₃ supplement, dairy calcium source.

Which Lime Is Used in Animal Feed?

The lime used as a calcium supplement in animal feed is:

Food-Grade Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃)

— also called Feed-Grade Limestone or Animal Feed Lime.

It is used in:

  1. Poultry feed (layer hens, broilers)
  2. Cattle & buffalo feed
  3. Goat and sheep feed
  4. Fish feed
  5. Pet food
  6. Calf & growing livestock feed

How Calcium Carbonate Works in Animal Nutrition

Calcium carbonate provides a natural, easy-to-absorb calcium source.
In poultry, it forms strong eggshells.
In cattle, it supports milk production and bone health.
In fish, it helps maintain pH and bone structure.

It is added into feed mixtures in powdered or granulated form.

Why Calcium Carbonate Is Used in Animal Feed

  • Highly digestible calcium source
  • Strengthens bones & skeletal growth
  • Improves eggshell thickness in poultry
  • Supports milk production in cattle
  • Maintains nerve & muscle function
  • Prevents calcium deficiency diseases
  • Safe, natural, and cost-effective
  • Approved by feed regulatory authorities
Lime Type Scientific Name Used in Feed? Purpose
Calcium Carbonate (Correct) CaCO₃ ✔ Yes Main calcium supplement
Dolomitic Lime CaCO₃ + MgCO₃ ✔ Limited Only for magnesium-rich feed

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Food-grade calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

Because it is safe, natural, and highly digestible.

No — it can burn tissues and is unsafe.

 

Poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, fish, horses, and pets.

    Get in touch with Vigyan Lime




    This will close in 30 seconds