Vitamin B3 (niacin; nicotinic acid, with nicotinamide/niacinamide as its amide form) is an important member of the B-vitamin group. As a precursor and essential component of the coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), vitamin B3 plays a central role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is essential for cellular energy production and contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin and gastrointestinal mucosa as well as normal nervous system function.

In animal feed, vitamin B3 is commonly supplemented as nicotinic acid (≥99% purity) or nicotinamide (≥99% purity). Products for the Chinese market may be manufactured in accordance with GB/T 7301 for nicotinic acid and GB/T 7302 for nicotinamide. Nicotinamide is widely used in feed applications because of its favourable bioavailability and its lower tendency to cause the vasodilatory flushing response associated with high levels of nicotinic acid.

Vitamin B3 deficiency in swine and poultry can result in characteristic deficiency signs such as pellagra-like dermatitis, “black tongue”, impaired growth, and diarrhoea. In aquatic species, deficiency may be associated with reduced appetite, skin haemorrhages, and increased mortality. Vitamin B3 is therefore a fundamental micronutrient in feeds for swine, poultry, ruminants, and aquaculture species, supporting normal metabolism, tissue health, and overall animal performance.