Vitamin K3 grades supplied to feed manufacturers are almost never pure menadione; they are standardized derivatives — primarily Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (MSB), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (MSBC), and Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (MPB) — selected for improved stability, flowability, and a declared menadione activity level that premix formulators can calculate against. Pure menadione is rarely handled directly in commercial feed production because of its reactivity and the regulatory frameworks that govern menadione-based nutrients.
What Is Vitamin K3?
Vitamin K3 is the common name for menadione, a synthetic naphthoquinone compound (CAS 58-27-5) that serves as a provitamin precursor converted in vivo to active vitamin K forms. In animal nutrition, it functions as a coenzyme precursor supporting normal blood coagulation processes in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species. Because free menadione is chemically unstable and sensitive to light, moisture, and alkaline conditions, it is almost always converted into a bisulfite addition compound before it reaches a feed mill or premix producer. These derivative salts are the actual commercial commodities traded under the Vitamin K3 category.
Vitamin K3 Grades and Specifications
Buyers sourcing Vitamin K3 should think in terms of menadione activity percentage rather than raw material weight, since each derivative carries a different proportion of active menadione per unit mass. The table below summarizes the grades most commonly specified across Southeast Asian feed and premix manufacturing.
| Grade | Typical Menadione Activity | Physical Form | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (MSB) | ~51% menadione activity (commonly specified) | Crystalline powder | Poultry and livestock premixes |
| Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (MSBC) | ~33% menadione activity (commonly specified) | Fine powder | Aquafeed and general premix blending |
| Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (MPB) | ~45% menadione activity (commonly specified) | Granular powder, improved stability | Heat- or storage-sensitive premix applications |
Because assay levels vary by manufacturer and batch, the certificate of analysis — not the grade name alone — should be the basis for dosage calculation in any formulation.
Physical Form, Stability and Packaging
All commercial Vitamin K3 grades are supplied as dry, free-flowing powders or fine granulates, typically packed in multi-ply paper or PP/PE-lined bags of 20-25kg to protect against moisture ingress. Menadione derivatives are sensitive to light, humidity, alkaline pH, and prolonged exposure to trace minerals and choline chloride, all of which can accelerate degradation of activity in finished premixes. Encapsulated or coated variants exist specifically to extend stability in mineral-dense premix matrices and are worth requesting when shelf life or multi-month storage is a concern.
Applications in Feed Formulation
Vitamin K3 derivatives are incorporated into vitamin-mineral premixes for poultry, swine, ruminant, and aquaculture feed formulations, where they are blended at microgram-to-milligram inclusion rates alongside other fat- and water-soluble vitamins. Formulators account for the menadione activity percentage of the chosen grade when calculating inclusion rates to meet target nutrient specifications in the finished feed. Compatibility with other premix components — particularly choline chloride and certain trace mineral sources — is a standard formulation consideration, since direct contact in a premix over time can reduce measurable activity; sequential layering or coated grades are common mitigations.
Handling, Storage and QA Documentation
Recommended storage is in a cool, dry area, sealed against moisture and shielded from direct light, with stock rotated on a first-in-first-out basis. Buyers should request a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming menadione activity assay, moisture content, and particle size distribution for each lot, along with a current specification sheet detailing the derivative form, CAS number, and recommended shelf life. Lot traceability documentation supports feed-safety audits and recall readiness, and is a standard expectation in regulated feed supply chains across the region.
Sourcing Considerations
Because Vitamin K3 is produced by a limited number of specialized manufacturers globally, buyers typically evaluate suppliers on consistency of menadione activity across lots, packaging integrity for moisture-sensitive handling, and the availability of coated or complexed grades for applications requiring extended shelf stability. Confirming the exact derivative (MSB, MSBC, or MPB) and its assay basis before formulation ensures the premix calculation matches the material actually delivered.
FAQ
What is the difference between Vitamin K3 grades like MSB and MSBC?
The grades differ mainly in menadione activity percentage and physical stability. MSB typically carries a higher menadione activity (commonly around 51%) than MSBC (commonly around 33%), while MPB offers improved stability in premixes with reactive minerals. The correct grade depends on target inclusion rate and the premix matrix it will be blended into.
Why isn't pure menadione used directly in feed premixes?
Pure menadione is chemically unstable under light, moisture, and alkaline conditions, which makes it impractical to handle and dose accurately in commercial premix production. Bisulfite-complexed derivatives such as MSB, MSBC, and MPB provide a more stable, standardized form suited to industrial blending.
What documentation should I request when sourcing Vitamin K3?
A certificate of analysis confirming menadione activity assay, moisture content, and particle size, along with a specification sheet and lot traceability records, are the standard documents requested by feed and premix manufacturers before acceptance.
How DIC supports Vitamin K3 sourcing
DIC stocks Vitamin K3 derivatives regionally with grade options spanning MSB, MSBC, and MPB forms, supported by COA documentation and lot traceability for each shipment. For premix producers managing sensitive formulation schedules, DIC can coordinate vendor-managed inventory (VMI) arrangements to maintain consistent supply continuity.
