Calcium Oxide - Feed Ingredient

Calcium Oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime, is produced by thermally decomposing limestone (calcium carbonate) at high temperatures. The resulting white, caustic powder reacts strongly with water to form calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).

In equine nutrition, Calcium Oxide is not typically used as a direct nutrient source because of its reactive, alkaline nature. Instead, its role is generally limited to feed processing applications. For example, it may be used in very small, controlled amounts to help adjust pH levels during manufacturing or to assist with pellet binding in the production process. When used, strict quality controls ensure that any reactive properties are neutralized before the final feed product is formulated for safe consumption by horses.