Futtermittelzusätzen

Futtermittelzusatzstoffe are substances that are added to animal feed to improve its quality, nutritional value, or palatability, or to influence the production characteristics of the animals. These additives are regulated by law to ensure the safety of animal feed, the animals themselves, and ultimately, the human consumers of animal products. Their use is intended to optimize animal health, welfare, and performance.

There are various categories of feed additives. Nutritional additives include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, which are added to ensure a balanced diet and meet the specific needs of different animal species and life stages. Technological additives are used to improve the processing of feed, such as preservatives to prevent spoilage, antioxidants to maintain quality, or emulsifiers. Sensory additives are employed to enhance the taste, smell, or appearance of feed, making it more appealing to animals and encouraging consumption. Zootechnical additives are designed to improve the efficiency of feed utilization or the digestive process, and can include enzymes or probiotics. Finally, feed additives can also be used for specific purposes, such as coccidiostats to control parasitic infections.

The European Union has a specific regulatory framework for feed additives, requiring authorization and approval before they can be marketed. This process involves rigorous scientific assessment of their safety and efficacy. Manufacturers must provide detailed data on the composition, manufacturing process, and intended use of the additive, as well as toxicological and ecotoxicological studies. Approved additives are listed in a Union register, with specific conditions for their use, such as maximum inclusion levels in feed. This regulatory approach aims to guarantee a high level of protection for animal health, human health, and the environment.