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RG-1 Regulatory Guidance:
Chapter 3 – Guidance on data requirements for feed approval and registration

3.4 Buffer feeds

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Registration of Buffer Feeds for Ruminant Animals

Feeds containing buffering ingredients have been acceptable for registration and have been labelled with the terms "Buffer" or "Buffered" in the brand or feed name providing the directions for use indicated that such feeds were only to be used for ruminants receiving high grain or concentrate rations.

Claims

Previously, claims were not permitted on the label of buffer feeds. As scientific evidence has been submitted to support the nutritional claim "to improve butter fat test in dairy cows" such a claim, for a specific combination of buffer ingredients (see Registration Checklist for Buffer Feeds), has been accepted on a buffer feed label. Other nutritional claims may be accepted provided satisfactory evidence to support the claim is presented with the application for registration.

Ingredient Listing

The name and amount of each ingredient used in a Buffer Feed shall be attached to the application for registration pursuant to sections 8(1) and (2)(b) of the Feeds Regulations. A complete list of ingredients must appear on the label.

Permitted Guarantees

Feeds containing both buffer ingredients and other nutrient sources shall guarantee only the nutrients normally shown for a similar feed not containing buffer ingredients. Labels may also show the actual level of the buffer ingredient(s).

Feeds consisting of a mixture of buffer ingredients shall be registered under the provisions of Feed Article 7 of Table 3 of Schedule 1 of the Feeds Regulations. The actual level of the buffer ingredient(s) may be shown on the label. No other guarantee will be permitted.

Registration Checklist for Buffer Feeds

Administrative Registration Requirements

Proposed Label

  1. Feeds consisting of a mixture of buffer ingredients:
    • No nutrient guarantees permitted;
    • The actual level of buffer ingredient(s) may be shown on the label.
  2. Feeds containing both buffer ingredients and other nutrient source
    • Guarantees for nutrients normally shown for a similar feed not containing buffer ingredients (e.g. sodium from sodium bicarbonate cannot be included in the guaranteed analysis);
    • The actual level of buffer ingredient(s) may be shown on the label.

Product Composition

Scientific Studies

Promotional Claims (including Internet and Advertising)

Note: Further information may be required after a review of the preliminary submission.

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