Cobalt Sulphate Feed Grade Supplier South Africa

What is Cobalt Sulphate?

Cobalt sulphate heptahydrate is the most common feed-grade cobalt source, a pink crystalline water-soluble salt providing approximately 21% cobalt by weight. Cobalt is an essential trace element for ruminants because it is required for rumen microbial synthesis of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Unlike monogastric animals, ruminants must receive dietary cobalt to support the rumen bacteria and protozoa that produce B12 endogenously.

Role in Animal Nutrition

Cobalt deficiency in cattle and sheep is well documented in South Africa and other regions with cobalt-poor soils, causing “pining disease” characterised by ill-thrift, anaemia, poor appetite, reduced growth, and infertility. Supplemental cobalt sulphate in ruminant mineral premixes provides the cobalt substrate for rumen microbial B12 synthesis, restoring normal energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and immune competence. Cobalt is also required for some enzyme systems beyond its B12 precursor role. Requirements are very low (0.1–0.2 mg/kg diet DM) but deficiency effects are severe.

Supply & Packaging

Terracore Chemicals supplies feed-grade Cobalt Sulphate heptahydrate in 25 kg bags from verified manufacturers across South Africa. We serve ruminant premix manufacturers, mineral lick producers, and dairy and beef nutritionists with reliable supply and full analytical documentation.