Air Products has a long track record as a reliable supplier of cost-competitive choline chloride to South Africa’s major animal feed producers. Choline chloride is classified as a vitamin, and was formerly known as Vitamin B4.

Vernon Ndimande, Air Products’ Manager: Chemicals Business Unit explains that while choline chloride occurs naturally in many types of food, most animals do not get all their choline requirements from the natural choline content in their food. In fact, the nutrition requirements may be as much as one hundred times greater.

“In addition, research has shown that not all naturally occurring choline is bio-available,” Vernon adds. In animal feeds, extra choline is added as a chloride salt. Choline chloride has been used with success in the rearing of poultry, pigs, fish and in the feeding of domestic cats and dogs.

The chemical helps move the fats around the body, which, in turn, helps with cell construction. It also plays a role in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a substance that assists in muscle control. In fact, it is essential for numerous biological processes, generally making animals healthier. The amount of choline that needs to be administered varies between species, and is influenced by age, make- up of feed and environmental stress,

Taminco N.V. in Gent, Belgium makes the choline chloride available to Air Products South Africa from Belgium. It is supplied as a 75% aqueous solution and is transported from Belgium in 1120kg IBC containers. Transportation is by means of a secure logistical system, which eliminates any chance of contamination.

The quality of choline chloride from sources other than Air Products varies significantly, as it is possible to adulterate choline chloride with other chlorides such as household salt.
There have also been reports in 2007 of pet food being contaminated with a toxic substance called melamine. This melamine-containing ingredient has been reported to have been imported from China.

Importantly, Air Products South Africa follows a number of strict rules to guarantee the consistent high quality of its choline chloride supply. Taminco is ISO 9001 accredited and possesses a GMP certificate applicable to its liquid choline chloride. The product conforms to the specifications, which are contained in the legislation applicable to these substances in Europe. The products are free of genetically modified organisms and the level of heavy metal impurities is among the lowest. Air Products certifies that there are no bacteria, viruses, yeast or fungi present in the product. In addition, Air Products South Africa, as part of a respected global company, can offer its customers security of supply.

“When it comes to chemicals such as choline chloride, Air Products has always taken pride in providing its customers with solutions of unsurpassed excellence,” says Ndimande. “As our company is dedicated to continuous improvement, we would welcome any commercial or technical enquiries from choline chloride users,” he concludes.

For more information, contact:
Vernon Ndimande – Chemicals Manager
Air Products South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +27 11 570 5060
Email: ndimandev@apsap.co.za