Article Focus Summary:
China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has approved seven new feed additives and expanded the application scope for eight others, reinforcing regulatory clarity and promoting innovation in livestock and aquaculture feed.
Regulatory Advancements in China’s Feed Additive Sector
In a move signaling increased oversight and modernization of animal nutrition regulation, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has issued a comprehensive update covering new feed additive approvals, expanded use scopes, and Catalogue of Feed Ingredients revisions. This update supports the country’s goals for safer, more effective, and environmentally responsible animal husbandry practices.
I. Approval of Seven New Feed Additive Varieties
MARA approved the production, sale, and use of the following seven new feed additives, each with designated animal applications and health benefits:
Approved Additives and Their Functions
| Feed Additive | Function | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Quinic acid (from ginkgo leaves) | Antioxidant | Shrimp |
| Bacillus velezensis (CGMCC 24752) | Gut microbiota modulation, productivity | Broilers |
| Green coffee bean extract (chlorogenic acid) | Antioxidant | Weaned piglets |
| Sucralose | Feed attractant | Weaned piglets |
| Cholesterol (from lanolin) | Cholesterol supplementation | Shrimp |
| Atractylodes macrocephala extract | Antioxidant, growth promotion | Shrimp, freshwater fish |
| Iron dextran | Iron supplement | Weaned piglets |
Monitoring Period & Compliance
Each product enters a monitoring phase during which manufacturers must collect data on safety and efficacy:
- Iron dextran: until December 2029
- Other additives: until January 2031
Post-monitoring, safety data must be submitted to MARA for final inclusion in the official Catalogue of Feed Additive Varieties.
II. Expansion of Application Scope for Eight Existing Additives
MARA also approved the extension of approved usage for eight existing feed additives, enabling broader applications across livestock and aquaculture categories.
Summary of Scope Expansions
| Additive | New Application | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Guanidinoacetic acid | Fattening cattle | Weight gain improvement |
| Potassium diformate | Broilers | Feed efficiency |
| Potassium magnesium sulfate | Broilers, laying hens | Mineral supplementation |
| Ferulic acid | Broilers | Antioxidant, performance |
| Amorphous red elemental selenium | Weaned piglets | Antioxidant |
| Marigold extract (quercetagalin) | Laying hens | Egg production, antioxidant |
| Bile acids | Marine fish | Fat utilization, performance |
| Chromium picolinate | Freshwater fish, laying hens | Growth and egg quality |
Each additive includes specific inclusion guidelines and maximum residue limits based on 88% dry matter content, aligning with national feed formulation standards.
III. Additions to the Catalogue of Feed Ingredients
MARA also updated the Catalogue of Feed Ingredients with three new items, offering more options for protein and nutrient sources in compound feed formulations:
1. Corn Water-Soluble Protein
- Derived from corn steep liquor
- Crude protein ≥ 55%, moisture ≤ 10%
- Regulated as a single feed ingredient
2. Dried Turnip (Brassica rapa L.)
- In slice, powder, or pellet form
- Moisture content must be labeled
- Natural fiber source for ruminants
3. Isoleucine Fermentation Residue
- By-product of Corynebacterium glutamicum fermentation
- Crude protein ≥ 68%
- Approved only for livestock and poultry
IV. Revision of Milk Powder Entry in Feed Ingredient Catalogue
The entry for “Milk Powder [Powdered Milk]” has been updated to reflect:
- Clear labeling by species and type (e.g., whole bovine milk powder)
- Use of milk from qualified dairy manufacturers only
- Recognition of full spectrum of milk powders (whole, skim, partially skimmed, modified)
This aligns China’s feed regulations with international traceability and ingredient quality expectations.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
This regulatory update enhances clarity for:
- Feed manufacturers seeking new formulations
- Livestock and aquaculture producers seeking performance optimization
- Global exporters of feed additives aiming for Chinese market access
With emerging ingredients like D-allulose recently approved for food use and now expanded attention to natural antioxidants, China’s evolving regulatory framework is increasingly aligning with global trends in clean labeling and sustainable feed production.
