magnesium / magnesium sources

Magnesium / magnesium sources

1. Functions
Magnesium is distributed widely among body tissues. Approximately 60 % is present in the skeleton and bones. It is found in extracellular body fluids and in blood serum.
Magnesium supplementation is very important in order to prevent grass tetany (hypo - magnesemia) in dairy cattle and sheep.
Magnesium is also necessary as an activator of enzymes and essential for nerve excitation and muscle contraction.

2. Main magnesium sources
Magnesium oxide is by far the main source of magnesium. It is not only a component in premixes, mineral feeds, but also used in the production of other magnesium sources such as magnesium phosphate, magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride and magnesium hydroxide.

3. Quality parameters and selection parameters
3.1 Particle size and bioavailability
Particle size: to be adequate and depending on the type and processing of feeds.
Bioavailability: “in vivo” experiments seem to be more reliable than “in vitro” laboratory tests. Colour / pigmentation: especially important in feed supplements.
Reactivity: important to be taken in consideration according the processing methods of feeds
3.2 Purity
The MgO content: Emfema members comply with the EU regulations

4. Criteria for selection
Magnesium content
Particle size distribution
Reactivity
Bioavailability

5. Analytical methods of magnesium
· Pyro - phosphate gravimetric method
· Complexometric method
· X - ray fluorescence