Nutritional Additives
Nutritional additives are designed to supplement or balance the basic nutritional components of feed. They mainly include vitamins (A, D, E), minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium), amino acids, and enzyme preparations (such as phytase, protease). Their core function is to ensure animals receive comprehensive and balanced nutrition at different growth stages.
Sensory Additives
Sensory additives aim to improve the palatability, appearance, or odor of feed to enhance animals' willingness to consume. They mainly include flavoring agents, coloring agents, and preservative antioxidants. Their role is to stimulate animals' olfactory and taste preferences, mask undesirable odors, stabilize feed color, and extend shelf life.
No, they are distinct categories. Feed additives are primarily used to improve nutritional value, palatability, or preservation of feed, supporting animal health and production efficiency. Animal drugs, such as antibiotics or vaccines, are used to treat, prevent, or control diseases.
Nutritional additives, like vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, fill gaps in natural feed ingredients. They ensure balanced diets, promote optimal growth, enhance immune function, and improve reproductive performance.
Sensory additives like flavorings and colorants are generally safe and do not negatively impact the safety or nutritional quality of animal products.