Cobalt Sulphate Feed Grade
Cobalt Sulphate Feed Grade is a cobalt salt of sulfuric acid, typically appearing as a pink to reddish crystalline powder or granules. It is specifically manufactured and purified for use as a trace mineral supplement in animal nutrition. Cobalt is an essential trace element required in small amounts for the synthesis of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in ruminants, playing a vital role in maintaining proper metabolism, growth, and overall health. Feed grade cobalt sulfate ensures safe, bioavailable cobalt supply to livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, supporting rumen microbial activity, appetite, and red blood cell production.
Cobalt Sulphate Feed Grade Uses
Primary Uses
- Animal Feed Additive
- Used as a trace mineral supplement in feed formulations for ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) to prevent cobalt deficiency.
- Supports vitamin B12 biosynthesis by ruminal microorganisms, crucial for energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.
- Enhances growth performance, feed efficiency, and reproductive health in livestock.
- Used in premixes, mineral blocks, and feed concentrates for balanced mineral nutrition.
- Important in poultry feed in minor quantities to support enzyme function and metabolism.
- Veterinary Nutritional Supplement
- Formulated into veterinary mineral supplements and injectable solutions to treat or prevent cobalt deficiency.
- Supports prevention of metabolic disorders related to cobalt insufficiency such as “bush sickness” and anemia in grazing animals.
Secondary Uses
- Fertilizers & Soil Amendments
- Occasionally used in trace element fertilizers to correct cobalt-deficient soils, improving plant nutrition and indirectly supporting forage quality.
- Industrial Applications
- Utilized in certain chemical syntheses or electroplating processes where cobalt salts are required (though feed grade is not ideal for industrial use).
- Research & Laboratory
Employed in animal nutrition research and formulation studies to assess mineral bioavailability and metabolic effects.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Cobalt(II) sulfate heptahydrate (most common hydrate form)
- Common/Trade Name: Cobalt Sulphate Feed Grade
- CAS Number: 10124-43-3
- HS Code: 2833.29.00
- Molecular Formula: CoSO₄·7H₂O (heptahydrate)
- Synonyms:
- Cobalt(II) sulfate
- Cobaltous sulfate
- Cobalt sulfate heptahydrate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: Pink to reddish crystals; odorless
- Melting Point: Decomposes > 100°C (loses water of hydration)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
- Density: ~2.40 g/cm³ (anhydrous form)
- Solubility:
- Highly soluble in water (≈ 100 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- Insoluble in organic solvents
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Harmful if swallowed; may cause skin and respiratory irritation; suspected carcinogen (cobalt compounds)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for cobalt metal and compounds = 0.1 mg/m³ (TWA)
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity in high doses; chronic exposure may cause lung and heart effects; essential trace nutrient at low doses
- Reactivity: Stable; avoid mixing with strong oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials
- Container Type: Polyethylene or fiber drums, sacks with moisture barriers
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling:
- Use dust control measures to avoid inhalation
- Employ PPE such as gloves, dust masks, and goggles when handling powder
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved as a feed additive under FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 573)
- REACH Status: Registered under EU chemical regulations for feed use
- Transportation: Non-hazardous for transport in feed grade form; check local regulations
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local environmental laws; avoid release to waterways
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard when used properly; cobalt salts can be toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations
- Persistence: Moderately persistent in soils
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by IARC (Group 2B) for cobalt compounds generally
Biodegradability: Inorganic salt, not biodegradable but stable
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Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Dust mask or respirator
- Gloves resistant to chemical penetration
- Safety goggles
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid generating dust; use adequate ventilation
- Avoid inhalation and skin contact
- Follow good hygiene practices
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed and dry
- Store away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling product
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical care if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek immediate medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; may release toxic cobalt fumes if heated to decomposition
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ as appropriate for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if exposed to cobalt fumes
- Decomposition Products: Toxic cobalt oxides and sulfur oxides may form at high temperatures