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The application of zinc tannate in livestock and poultry farming
Publisher：Marketing Department
Release time：2026-06-02
Key word：
01 Introduction
In the modern livestock and poultry breeding industry, animal health and production efficiency are the top concerns of breeders. In recent years, against the backdrop of the ban and restriction on antibiotics as well as zinc limitation, the development of novel feed additives has attracted growing attention across the livestock breeding sector. As a new type of feed additive, zinc tannate (TAZ, short for Tannic Acid-Chelated Zinc) has garnered widespread attention for its potential as a safe, efficient and eco-friendly feed additive.
In the modern livestock and poultry breeding industry, animal health and production efficiency are the top concerns of breeders. In recent years, against the backdrop of the ban and restriction on antibiotics as well as zinc limitation, the development of novel feed additives has attracted growing attention across the livestock breeding sector. As a new type of feed additive, zinc tannate (TAZ, short for Tannic Acid-Chelated Zinc) has garnered widespread attention for its potential as a safe, efficient and eco-friendly feed additive.
This article briefly elaborates on the application of zinc tannate in livestock and poultry breeding.
02 Brief Introduction of Zinc Tannate
Zinc tannate (TAZ) is an organic zinc produced via chelation of zinc chloride and tannic acid. As a natural polyphenolic compound, tannic acid features astringent, anti-diarrheal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Zinc is an essential trace element for animal growth and normal functioning of the immune system.
Integrating the functional merits of tannic acid (TA) and zinc ions, zinc tannate boasts high absorption rate and bioavailability. It plays a vital role in improving intestinal health of piglets, boosting nutrient digestibility and utilization, as well as cutting down heavy metal excretion. Its chelated structure enables more efficient absorption and utilization of zinc.
03 The biological functions of zinc tannate
Improve Growth Performance
Improve Growth Performance
Supplementing zinc tannate into livestock and poultry feed increases the average daily gain (ADG) of piglets and optimizes feed conversion ratio. This is likely attributed to improved intestinal health and enhanced nutrient absorption efficiency brought by zinc tannate.
Boost Antioxidant Capacity
Zinc tannate elevates the activity of antioxidant enzymes in livestock and poultry, reduces the accumulation of oxidative metabolites, and accordingly protects cells against oxidative damage.
Promote Intestinal Health
Studies have proven that zinc tannate improves intestinal health of animals and lowers the incidence of enteric diseases such as diarrhea. For instance, when pigs are infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), diets containing zinc tannate alleviate intestinal injury and enhance the antioxidant capacity of the intestines.
04 The application of zinc tannate in livestock and poultry farming
04 The application of zinc tannate in livestock and poultry farming
The application of zinc tannate is particularly valued in pig breeding. Research has demonstrated that zinc tannate alleviates intestinal damage induced by Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) and improves growth performance as well as antioxidant capacity in piglets.
In relevant trials, piglets supplemented with zinc tannate achieved higher average daily gain and lower diarrhea incidence. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in their blood and intestinal tract were elevated, and the ratio of intestinal villus height to crypt depth was optimized. These findings confirm that zinc tannate contributes to maintaining the morphological integrity of the intestine.
In summary, as a novel feed additive, zinc tannate exhibits great potential in improving intestinal health, enhancing immunity, boosting growth performance and elevating antioxidant capacity of livestock and poultry. Given the controversies surrounding zinc oxide regarding environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance, zinc tannate serves as an environmentally friendly and effective alternative. With further research advances, zinc tannate is expected to become an important nutritional strategy in livestock and poultry farming, helping producers improve animal welfare and economic returns.
