Lecithin (Soy & Sunflower) Supplier South Africa

What Is Lecithin?

Lecithin is a natural mixture of phospholipids — predominantly phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol — extracted from soybean or sunflower seeds during oil refining. It is the natural form of the emulsifier that cell membranes are built from. Feed-grade lecithin is available as crude liquid (≥62% phospholipids in oil) or de-oiled powder (≥97% phospholipids), with sunflower lecithin preferred for non-GMO formulations.

Emulsification and Fat Digestibility

Lecithin is particularly effective in young animals with limited endogenous bile salt secretion, improving fat digestibility and absorption when added to diets rich in vegetable oils or animal fats. Broiler trials consistently show improved FCR and fat digestibility coefficient with 0.1–0.3% dietary lecithin. In aquafeed it improves pellet water stability and lipid utilisation efficiency, supporting the transition to high-lipid diets in salmon and trout production.

Pelleting and Choline Supply

Liquid lecithin applied as a coating post-pelleting reduces friction during die extrusion, improving throughput and pellet durability, while providing a source of choline for the diet. De-oiled lecithin powder is used in premixes and dry supplements. Terracore Chemicals supplies both soy and sunflower lecithin in liquid and powder forms and can provide Certificates of Analysis and GMO documentation.