Magnesium (Mg) has a myriad of benefits to animal health. An essential macro-mineral in animals, 65% of the total magnesium is found in the skeleton bound to both Calcium and Phosphorus and necessary for bone growth and stability. The remaining magnesium is found in it’s ionised form MG2+, mainly inside cells.

In studies, feed supplementation in cows and pigs has been seen to improve the digestibility of feed, increase successful reproduction and a shortening of the service period. In broilers it has been shown to increase weight gain and in laying hens increased egg production.

Overall, increasing magnesium intake benefits the quality of breeding eggs and improves hatching yield. Magnesium is necessary for the transmission of nerve flow, muscular contraction and is a contributor to the energetic and antioxidant metabolisms of more than 300 enzymes.

The minimum recommended intake for a dairy cow is 0.2% of dry feed. In spring, conditions such as ‘grass tetany’ or ‘Magnesium tetany’ can occur due to the low levels of magnesium in young grass. This causes it to pass through the animal more quickly and therefore decreases the opportunity for absorption. A sudden drop in magnesium levels can lead to a condition called the ‘staggers’ causing neuromuscular hyperexcitability, behaviour disorders and seizures.

We supply liquid Magnesium Chloride in tankers and IBC’s and Magnesium Chloride flakes for  incorporation into animal feeds and Hi-Mag bucket feeds for free access feeds.