Messi Biology states that as a common mineral feed additive, magnesium oxide plays an irreplaceable role in healthy animal farming due to its unique physical and chemical properties and physiological functions. During the animal digestion and metabolism process, magnesium oxide first functions as a magnesium source. Magnesium is an essential macro-mineral element in animals, participating in the activation reactions of more than 300 enzymes, and plays a crucial role in physiological processes such as energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and nerve conduction. When the magnesium content in feed is insufficient, animals are prone to symptoms such as growth retardation, muscle spasms, and anemia, whereas the efficient supplementation of magnesium oxide can rapidly correct this nutritional deficiency.
Its unique anti-caking function cannot be ignored either. During the processing of formula feed, magnesium oxide can adsorb excess moisture, prevent feed from molding and caking, and extend its shelf life. Especially in high-humidity environments, the addition of magnesium oxide can improve the storage stability of feed by more than 30%. In addition, in ruminant diets, magnesium oxide can regulate rumen pH and, when used in combination with anionic salts, effectively prevent postpartum ketosis; its buffering effect is superior to traditional buffers such as sodium bicarbonate.
The application of magnesium oxide is particularly widespread in ruminant farming. Adding magnesium oxide to dairy cow diets not only increases milk fat percentage by 0.2 to 0.3 percentage points, but also reduces the incidence of lameness. Adding magnesium oxide during the late fattening stage of beef cattle can improve carcass quality and reduce stress responses. For poultry farming, magnesium oxide significantly improves eggshell strength and reduces breakage rates in laying hens by regulating the balance of intestinal flora.
Animals in special physiological stages have an even more prominent demand for magnesium oxide. Adding magnesium oxide to the diets of pregnant sows can prevent postpartum paralysis; during the weaning stress period of piglets, appropriate supplementation can alleviate diarrhea symptoms. In aquaculture, magnesium oxide acts as a water quality improver, regulating water pH and promoting the molting and growth of shrimp and crabs.