What is monocalcium phosphate?
Monocalcium phosphate is the calcium salt of phosphoric acid in which only one of the three acidic hydrogens is replaced, giving the formula Ca(H₂PO₄)₂. The feed product is usually the monohydrate. It is made by reacting purified, defluorinated phosphoric acid with a calcium source such as limestone, followed by granulation or milling and drying.
Because it is more acidic and more water-soluble than dicalcium phosphate, MCP contains more phosphorus per kilogram and is generally considered to have higher phosphorus digestibility. Commercial products may also contain some dicalcium phosphate, so the analysed specification of each product is what counts.
What does MCP do in animal feed?
- Phosphorus supply: phosphorus is essential for bone and eggshell formation, energy metabolism (ATP), phospholipids and nucleic acids, while much of the plant phosphorus in feed is bound as phytate.
- Poultry: supports skeletal development and leg health in broilers and bone integrity in layers. Its higher phosphorus content leaves more room in the formula for other ingredients.
- Pigs: supports growth, bone mineralisation and reproductive performance.
- Aquaculture: fish and shrimp have limited ability to use phytate phosphorus and less acid-soluble phosphates, so a water-soluble, digestible source such as MCP is widely preferred in aquafeeds.
- Ruminants: used in mineral feeds and concentrates where forage and grain do not meet the phosphorus requirement.
MCP compared with other phosphate sources
- Monocalcium phosphate (MCP): highest phosphorus content of the common calcium phosphates, high water solubility and a lower calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
- Dicalcium phosphate (DCP): lower phosphorus, relatively more calcium and lower water solubility.
- Mono-dicalcium phosphate (MDCP): intermediate properties.
- Phytase enzymes: release part of the phytate phosphorus in plant raw materials and can reduce the amount of MCP needed.
How is MCP inclusion assessed?
Phosphorus is formulated on an available or digestible phosphorus basis. The MCP level depends on the species, age and production stage, the phosphorus from raw materials, phytase use and the target calcium-to-phosphorus ratio; because MCP supplies relatively little calcium, limestone is usually adjusted alongside it. Comparing phosphate sources on the price per unit of digestible phosphorus, rather than per tonne, gives a fairer economic picture. Digestibility values should come from supplier data and the nutritionist's own matrix, and local regulations and the product label prevail.
Quality criteria
- Total phosphorus and calcium content, and water solubility of phosphorus.
- Fluorine: must be low, which requires defluorinated phosphoric acid.
- Undesirable substances such as cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury, within the limits set by applicable feed legislation.
- Moisture, free acidity, granule size and dust: affect flowability, caking and mixing.
- Certificate of analysis (CoA) and lot traceability.
CTF Premix and monocalcium phosphate
MCP is normally added directly to compound feed at macro-mineral levels. On request, its inclusion in custom mineral or vitamin-mineral premixes and mineral supplements can be evaluated by our technical team according to the customer's formulation and target species. CTF Premix products are produced in Ankara under ISO 9001:2015 and GMP, with a certificate of analysis and lot traceability for every batch.
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.