The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the decision to expand the authorized use of the feed additive for additional species earlier this month. The new approval takes immediate effect and allows the trace mineral supplement to be used in feeds for beef cattle and broiler hens. Previously, it was approved for use with swine and dairy cows.
Kemin Industries supported the expansion of the feed additive through the regulatory process, the Iowa-based company said.
The regulatory approval was of interest for the company because the use of trace minerals supports improved production and profitability for livestock and poultry producers, said Kristi Krafka, VP of regulatory with Kemin. The company has explored the use of the additive for several species, including swine, dairy cows, beef cattle and poultry.
“The approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is significant as Canadian livestock and poultry producers seek safe, trusted ingredients to help meet today’s growing protein demand,” she told FeedNavigator. “Chromium supplementation is one of the many ways Kemin is an industry leader in advancing animal nutrition and health through innovation and science.”
Kemin is not seeking additional approvals from CFIA for the supplement at this time, but that remains dependent on market need, she said.
In the US, the trace mineral in an approved feed additive and Kemin’s KemTRACE can be used for broilers, swine and cows or cattle, she said. Similarly, the product also has gained use approvals in Mexico, along with multiple other countries, where it can be given to all classes of poultry, swine and dairy and beef cattle.
The company has already seen “immense interest” from Canadian producers for use with a range of species, said Krafka. That interest is expected to continue now that the additive can be used in feeds for more species.
“KemTRACE chromium is backed by more than 20 years and millions of dollars towards scientific research and product registration approvals in more than 35 countries,” she said. “Through this research and investment, Kemin has validated the benefits of chromium propionate, and we expect the Canadian market to react positively to this product, with proven results and benefits for the producer.”
Feed additive use
Kemin produces its chromium product at the company’s headquarter facility in Iowa, the company reported.
No expansion in production levels is anticipated at this time, added Krafka. “Kemin is the world’s largest producer of chromium propionate.”
The bioavailable chromium additive has been linked to improved glucose use and the mitigation of stress allowing for more cellular energy and function, she said. “This results in better animal maintenance, reproduction, growth and immunity – and ultimately, boosted profitability for producers.”
It is designed to be added to the ration throughout production, and the amount recommended for use varies by species, she said.
