What is the term associated with a mineral fed as a separate feed?

The term "supplement" refers to any ingredient or feed that is added to a diet in order to enhance its nutritional value or to provide nutrients that may be lacking in the primary feed. In the context of mineral supplements, this term specifically denotes minerals that are provided separately from the main feed source. These minerals play a crucial role in animal health, growth, and reproduction, ensuring that animals receive essential nutrients that contribute to their overall performance.

In agricultural practices, particularly within livestock nutrition, supplements are often utilized to address specific deficiencies, improve feed efficiency, and enhance productivity. Other terms like "additives" can refer to substances added for various purposes, such as flavor or preservation, but do not exclusively imply a focus on essential nutrients. "Fillers" generally pertain to ingredients that add bulk to animal feed without contributing significant nutritional value, while "concentrates" are feeds that offer a high level of nutrients but do not specifically denote the separate administration of minerals. Therefore, "supplement" is the most precise term for a mineral fed separately from the primary feed.