As an organic iron source feed additive, ferrous fumarate has been increasingly studied in livestock and aquaculture in recent years due to its advantages such as high bioavailability, minimal damage to feed nutrients, and good palatability. Its research progress mainly focuses on the optimization of action mechanisms, improvement of application effects, and development of new formulations.
I. In-depth Research on Bioavailability and Absorption Mechanisms
Traditional inorganic iron sources (such as ferrous sulfate) in feed tend to combine with phytic acid, tannins, and other components to form insoluble complexes, reducing iron absorption efficiency and potentially oxidizing and damaging nutrients like vitamins and fatty acids. As an organic acid iron salt, ferrous fumarate has ferrous ions in its molecular structure combined with fumarate ions through coordinate bonds. It can be absorbed through active transport mechanisms in the animal gastrointestinal tract and is less affected by anti-nutritional factors in feed. Studies have shown that adding ferrous fumarate to the feed of piglets and broilers increases the apparent iron absorption rate by 15%-30% compared with ferrous sulfate. It can also more efficiently participate in hemoglobin synthesis and cellular metabolism, significantly improving the hematopoietic function of animals. In addition, recent studies have found that ferrous fumarate can improve the intestinal environment by regulating the intestinal flora (such as promoting the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria), indirectly enhancing iron absorption and utilization, which provides a new direction for research on its mechanism of action.
II. Impact on Animal Growth Performance and Product Quality
In livestock breeding, research on the application of ferrous fumarate focuses on improving animal growth performance and enhancing livestock product quality. For example, adding an appropriate amount of ferrous fumarate (usually 80-150mg/kg) to piglet feed can alleviate iron-deficiency anemia and enhance immunity, increasing the daily weight gain of piglets by 5%-10% and reducing mortality by 10%-15%. Moreover, iron excretion in feces is 20%-30% lower than that with ferrous sulfate, reducing environmental pollution. In poultry breeding, ferrous fumarate can promote the synthesis of hemoglobin in broiler muscles, improve meat color (such as increasing myoglobin content), and reduce the iron smell in egg yolks, thereby enhancing egg quality.
In aquaculture, research on ferrous fumarate mainly targets the hematopoietic function and anti-stress ability of fish and crustaceans. Studies have shown that adding ferrous fumarate to the feed of carp and shrimp can significantly increase their serum iron content and red blood cell count, enhance tolerance to hypoxia and water quality fluctuations, and reduce iron ion residues in water, minimizing damage to the aquaculture environment. Compared with inorganic iron sources, it is more in line with the needs of green aquaculture.
III. Development of New Formulations and Application Technologies
To further improve the stability and targeting of ferrous fumarate, researchers have developed various new formulations. For instance, microencapsulated ferrous fumarate, coated with slow-release materials (such as starch and chitosan), can avoid oxidative inactivation during feed processing (such as high-temperature pelleting) and release slowly in the animal intestines, extending the absorption time. In addition, chelated iron preparations formed by combining ferrous fumarate with amino acids, oligosaccharides, etc., have a 10%-20% higher bioavailability than pure ferrous fumarate and can synergistically promote the absorption of other trace elements such as zinc and manganese by animals.
In terms of application technologies, research focuses on optimizing the addition dosage and compatibility schemes. Different animals and different growth stages have varying demands for ferrous fumarate. For example, young animals have higher requirements due to rapid growth, while adult animals mainly need it for maintenance. Current studies have clarified that the appropriate addition amount of ferrous fumarate in the feed of ruminants (such as cattle and sheep) is 50-100mg/kg, and that in aquatic animals is 100-200mg/kg. When used in combination with vitamin C, organic acids, and other substances, its efficacy can be further enhanced.
IV. Expansion of Environmental and Safety Assessments
With the advancement of green breeding concepts, research on the environmental safety of ferrous fumarate has gradually increased. Compared with inorganic iron, the residual form of ferrous fumarate in animal manure is more stable, making it less likely to enter water bodies with rainwater runoff and cause eutrophication. Additionally, by reducing iron excretion, it minimizes pollution to soil and water sources. Meanwhile, long-term toxicity studies have shown that under recommended dosages, ferrous fumarate does not accumulate in animals or cause damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys, further verifying its safety.
In summary, research on ferrous fumarate as a feed additive has evolved from simple observation of application effects to in-depth studies on molecular absorption mechanisms, development of new formulations, and environmental safety assessments. Future research will focus more on its synergistic effects with other nutrients and its application in precision nutrition and green breeding, providing support for an efficient and environmentally friendly feed additive system.
