In the animal feed industry, lecithin is a key additive that helps optimize nutrient digestion and absorption while enhancing animal performance. However, proper storage of lecithin is critical to maintaining its quality, preventing oxidation and ensuring its effectiveness in feed production. This article provides a detailed guide on how to store lecithin correctly, along with essential considerations for its practical use.

Lecithin and its strategic role in livestock industry

What is Lecithin? Origin and fundamental attributes

Lecithin is a group of natural phospholipids found in nearly all biological cells, most commonly extracted from soybeans. In animal feed production, liquid soy lecithin is widely used for its strong emulsifying, stabilizing and lipid absorption enhancing properties.

With a molecular structure composed of a hydrophilic (polar - head) and a hydrophobic (non - polar tail), lecithin can dissolve fats in aqueous environments, making the digestion and absorption of nutrients more efficient.

In addition, lecithin is a natural source of choline, which supports liver function and the development of the nervous system in animals.

Applications of Lecithin in livestock industry

In livestock feed, lecithin is applied for various purposes:

• Poultry and pigs: enhances energy metabolism, promotes faster weight gain and reduces the feed conversion ratio (FCR).

• Laying poultry: improves egg quality, creating a uniform yolk texture and stronger eggshells.

• Aquaculture species: enhances lipid digestion, improves survival rates, boosts disease resistance.

In addition, lecithin serves as a pellet stabilizer, helping feed maintain its structure in water, thereby preventing disintegration, reducing nutrient loss and improving feed durability and efficiency.

How to use Lecithin effectively?

Dosage of soy Lecithin for different livestock species

Depending on the animal species, the dosage of lecithin in feed formulations may vary:

• Broiler poultry: 0.1 - 1% of the total diet.

• Breeding livestock and poultry: 0.1 - 0.5%, helping to improve egg quality and liver function.

• Pelleted or fixed-form feeds: 0.5 - 2% to enhance binding capacity and emulsification performance.

The inclusion rate should be adjusted based on production objectives and the input materials. Lecithin enhances lipid digestion and energy absorption, thereby improving feed utilization efficiency.

Mixing Lecithin in livestock feed production

Liquid soybean lecithin should be mixed during the oil blending phase, when the mixture temperature is maintained around 50 - 60°C to ensure optimal solubility and dispersion.

Avoid adding lecithin directly at excessively high temperatures (>80°C), as this may cause product denaturation or oxidation. In aqua feed, lecithin is commonly mixed with fish oil or vegetable oils to create a stable emulsion system, enhancing pellet firmness and reducing feed disintegration in water.

Essential guidelines for using and storing lecithin additives

Standard storage conditions

Because lecithin is highly hygroscopic, special attention should be given to storage conditions.

• Storage temperature: maintain between 20 - 30°C in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

• Packaging: use only unopened original containers, or ensure opened packages are tightly sealed immediately after use to prevent moisture absorption and oxidation.

• Shelf life: typically 12 months from the date of manufacture, provided that proper storage conditions are maintained.

For the storage of liquid soybean lecithin, avoid storing it near heat sources, insects or hazardous chemicals, as lecithin easily absorbs foreign odors and may deteriorate in quality.

Signs of lecithin quality deterioration

Some common signs of lecithin deterioration include:

• The color changes from golden brown to dark brown or black.

• A slight burnt or rancid odor appears.

• Lecithin shows phase separation, with reduced solubility and emulsifying capacity.

If any of these signs are observed, the product should not be used in production as it may negatively affect feed quality and animal health.

Safety regulations and usage guidelines

The use of lecithin in livestock feed production must comply with safety regulations as stipulated in Circular No. 24/2019/TT-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health.

Users should:

• Apply the correct dosage and use only for the intended purpose.

• Avoid indiscriminate mixing with additives that have strong oxidative properties.

• Verify the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and ensure a clear and traceable origin before mixing.

• Following these principles helps ensure optimal efficacy and stability of the final product.

Lecithin production process and key factors influencing storage quality

The production process of liquid soybean lecithin

Soy lecithin is extracted from refined soybean oil through the following main stages:

1. Degumming – phospholipid separation.

2. Filtration, drying and purification to obtain concentrated lecithin with high purity.

3. The final product is a viscous brownish-yellow liquid, strong emulsifying properties and excellent stability.

During production, temperature and humidity play a crucial role in determining the efficiency of phospholipid separation and the stability of lecithin during storage.

Why proper storage extends the shelf life of Lecithin

Lecithin is a compound rich in unsaturated fatty acids, making it highly susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, light or high temperatures for prolonged periods.

Proper storage helps to:

• Reduce the rate of oxidation, preserving its characteristic color and odor.

• Maintain emulsifying capacity and stability in oil - water systems.

• Extend shelf life and ensure consistent performance in feed production.

Conversely, improper storage can cause lecithin to lose 30 - 50% of its activity within just a few weeks.

Masi provides high quality soybean lecithin for the livestock feed industry

As a specialized supplier of liquid soybean lecithin for feed mills nationwide, Masi not only provides high-standard raw materials but also partners with businesses to offer formula consultation, optimize usage rates and ensure consistent product quality.

Masi’s lecithin is carefully selected, comes with a COA, has a clear and traceable origin, making it suitable for livestock, poultry and aquaculture feed. Masi is committed to delivering stable, effective and safe products that meet the stringent requirements of feed mills aiming for export markets.

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Contact information:

Masi

- Office: 7th Floor, Giga Mall, 240–242 Pham Van Dong, Hiep Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

- Production Facility 1: Lot C11, Fish Sauce Processing Zone, Phu Thuy Ward, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

- Production Facility 2: Hoi Hamlet, Kim Son Commune, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam

Email: Cs@masi.vn  

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