Ferrous Sulfate
Introduction
Ferrous Sulfate is an important source of dietary iron widely used in animal nutrition. Iron is an essential trace mineral required for hemoglobin formation, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, enzyme activity, and normal growth and development.
In animal feed, Ferrous Sulfate is commonly used in mineral premixes and compound feeds to help meet animals’ iron requirements. It is particularly important for young piglets, which have relatively high iron requirements and are susceptible to iron deficiency during the early growth period.
CAS
7720-78-7 — Ferrous Sulfate (Anhydrous)
7782-63-0 — Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate
Molecular Formula
- Ferrous Sulfate: FeSOâ‚„
- Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate: FeSO₄·7H₂O
Structural Formula
FeSOâ‚„
For the heptahydrate form:
FeSO₄·7H₂O
Physicochemical Properties
Ferrous Sulfate is available in anhydrous and hydrated forms. Anhydrous Ferrous Sulfate is generally a white to off-white powder, while Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate is typically pale green to blue-green crystalline material.
Ferrous Sulfate is soluble in water and practically insoluble in ethanol. It is susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, particularly under moist conditions, and may gradually develop a yellowish-brown appearance due to oxidation.
The product should therefore be stored in a cool, dry, well-sealed environment and protected from excessive moisture and prolonged exposure to air.
Application
Ferrous Sulfate is widely used as a trace mineral feed additive and iron source in poultry, swine, livestock, ruminant, and other animal nutrition applications.
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin and other iron-containing proteins and enzymes. It plays an important role in oxygen transport, cellular respiration, energy metabolism, and normal physiological development.
Adequate iron supplementation helps:
- Provide a reliable source of dietary iron
- Support hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport
- Help maintain normal red blood cell formation
- Support energy metabolism and cellular respiration
- Promote healthy growth and development
- Contribute to normal enzyme activity and physiological function
- Help prevent iron deficiency
- Support overall animal health and production performance
Ferrous Sulfate is particularly important in piglet nutrition, where supplemental iron is commonly used to help prevent iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia during early growth.
It can be incorporated into mineral premixes, vitamin-mineral premixes, compound feed, and nutritional supplements according to species-specific nutritional requirements and applicable feed regulations.
