Feed additives are some natural or "naturally equivalent" nutrients added to feed. When these nutrients are lacking in feed products, some additives must be added. Additives are necessary to ensure animal health, good growth and development, prevent disease and improve feed conversion efficiency. In Europe, in order to regulate which feed additives can be used, the European Union has formulated Parliamentary Regulation No. 70/524/EEC. This ordinance was first issued in 1970 and has been revised five times, the last revision being in 1996. In the regulations, feed additives are divided into four categories: supplement, auxiliary, digestion aid and disease prevention:
Supplementary additives include vitamins, amino acids, trace elements and non-protein nitrogen;
Auxiliary additives include antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics, condiments, emulsifiers, granule formers, colorants, preservatives, flow enhancers and acidifiers;
Digestive additives are used Improve feed efficiency;
Disease prevention additives are used to prevent coccidiosis