Feed producers can buy their micronutrients in three main ways: as a vitamin premix, as a mineral premix, or as a combined vitamin and mineral premix. All three do the same basic job. They deliver small-dose ingredients in a form that is practical to add at the mill. The difference lies in what they contain and how they fit into production.
Vitamin premixes
A vitamin premix contains vitamins only, diluted on a carrier. It usually covers both groups:
- Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K.
- Water-soluble vitamins, such as the B-group vitamins.
Many vitamins are sensitive to heat, moisture, oxidation and contact with some trace minerals. Keeping vitamins in their own premix is one way to limit that contact during storage.
Mineral premixes
A mineral premix contains minerals, typically trace elements and in some cases macro minerals. Trace elements are needed in very small quantities, so pre-diluting them is the main practical benefit.
Mineral sources differ in form and in how the animal uses them. The choice of source is part of the formulation and should be discussed with your supplier and nutritionist.
Combined vitamin and mineral premixes
A combined premix carries vitamins and minerals in one product. Its main advantage is simplicity at the mill:
- one product to store and track,
- one inclusion rate on the formulation,
- one delivery to plan.
The trade-off is that vitamins and minerals are in contact during storage. Formulation, packaging and storage conditions need to account for this, and shelf life should be respected.
How to choose
| Consideration | Separate premixes | Combined premix |
|---|---|---|
| Handling at the mill | Two products to manage | One product |
| Flexibility to adjust | Vitamins and minerals adjusted independently | Changes affect the whole product |
| Vitamin–mineral contact in storage | Limited | Present; managed by formulation and storage |
| Typical user | Mills with own nutritionist and frequent formula changes | Mills that want simple, repeatable handling |
Questions to ask yourself
- How often do your formulations change?
- Do you have the storage space and systems to handle several micro-ingredients?
- How long will the premix be stored before use?
- Does your nutritionist prefer to adjust vitamins and minerals independently?
Working with a supplier
Whatever the type, ask for a full composition, the recommended inclusion rate, packaging details and storage conditions. Share your species, production phase and base diet so the supplier can propose a formulation that fits.
Read more about what a feed premix is, or browse our vitamin & mineral premixes.
Not sure which premix type fits your mill? Tell us how you produce today.
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