What is manganese oxide?
Feed-grade manganese oxide is a green-grey to brown, water-insoluble powder consisting mainly of manganous oxide (MnO), the form in which manganese has a valence of +2. Pure MnO contains about 77% manganese; commercial feed-grade products are typically standardised at around 60–62% Mn.
Its high concentration means it takes up little space in a premix, and because it is not hygroscopic it is relatively inert towards vitamins. For these reasons it is a widely used manganese source, particularly in poultry premixes where manganese inclusion is relatively high.
What does manganese do in animal feed?
- Bone and cartilage: manganese is needed to form the proteoglycans (such as chondroitin sulphate) of cartilage and the bone matrix; in poultry, deficiency causes perosis (slipped tendon) and leg problems.
- Eggshell quality: manganese supports the formation of the organic matrix of the eggshell, so it is important in layer and breeder diets.
- Reproduction: deficiency is associated with poor fertility, irregular heat and weak offspring in livestock.
- Enzymes: manganese is part of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme Mn-superoxide dismutase and of enzymes such as arginase and pyruvate carboxylase.
- Energy and fat metabolism: it activates a number of enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
Manganese oxide or manganese sulphate?
Manganese sulphate monohydrate (MnSO₄·H₂O, about 31–32% Mn) is a water-soluble, pale pink powder and is generally regarded as the more bioavailable inorganic source. It is often used as the reference standard in bioavailability comparisons.
Manganese oxide is more concentrated, more stable in premixes and usually more economical per unit of manganese, but its relative bioavailability is generally lower than that of the sulphate and can vary with the production process; products containing higher-valence oxides such as manganese dioxide (MnO₂) are poorly available. Organic manganese sources (chelates, proteinates) are a further option.
How is the manganese requirement assessed?
Requirements differ markedly between species. Poultry have a comparatively high requirement and absorb manganese poorly, while corn and soybean meal are low in it, so poultry diets depend on supplemental manganese. Pigs and ruminants generally need less, although forage content varies widely.
Absorption of manganese is low and is reduced further by high dietary calcium, phosphorus and phytate, and by high iron. Nutritionists set the supplemental level according to species, production stage and the chosen source. Maximum total manganese levels in complete feed are regulated in many countries; local regulations and the product label prevail.
Quality criteria
- Guaranteed manganese content, verified by analysis.
- Oxidation state: a high proportion of MnO rather than poorly available higher oxides.
- Undesirable substances: lead, cadmium and arsenic within legal limits.
- Fine, uniform particle size and good flowability for even distribution in the premix.
- Certificate of analysis (CoA) and lot traceability.
CTF Premix and manganese oxide
Manganese oxide, or manganese sulphate where preferred, can be included in CTF Premix's mineral and vitamin-mineral premixes according to the customer's formulation, with the source and level matched to the target species. Premixes are produced at our Ankara facility under ISO 9001:2015 and GMP, and every lot has a certificate of analysis and lot traceability.
This page is for general information. Inclusion rates and product choice should be decided with a nutritionist, taking into account the species, the feed formulation and the applicable regulations.