ASTM C706-19

Standard Specification for Limestone for Animal Feed Use

ABSTRACT
This specification covers limestone supplied for use as a mineral supplement in animal feeds. Limestone shall conform to the chemical requirements specified. In order to determine particle size, a sieve analysis shall be done.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers limestone supplied for use as a mineral supplement in animal feeds.  
Note 1: The calcium needed for animal nutrition is customarily supplied by limestone. Such limestone must be sufficiently fine to blend with mixed feeds and yet be free from excessive dusting.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard, except for sieve frames which are given in inch-pound units in accordance with Specification E11.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2019
• ICS: 65.120 - Animal feeding stuffs
• Technical Committee: C07 - Lime and Limestone
• Drafting Committee: C07.02 - Specifications and Guidelines

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C706-13 - Standard Specification for Limestone for Animal Feed Use
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C51-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as Used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C50/C50M-13(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C25-19e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C51-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM C110-16 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C110-15 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C110-15e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C110-14e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM C110-14 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C50/C50M-13 - Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C50/C50M-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM C51-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C110-11 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011

Overview

ASTM C706-19: Standard Specification for Limestone for Animal Feed Use provides detailed requirements for limestone supplied as a mineral supplement in animal feeds. Created by ASTM International, this specification defines chemical and physical standards to ensure limestone’s suitability and safety for animal nutrition. The standard ensures consistency in product quality across the animal feed industry, supporting optimal animal health and nutritional results.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability:
  The standard specifies limestone’s appropriate use as a calcium supplement in animal feeds. It applies to suppliers, feed manufacturers, and laboratories analyzing feed components.

• Chemical Composition:
  The specification outlines chemical composition requirements for various limestone categories, including high-calcium, magnesian, and dolomitic types, according to the proportion of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃).

• Physical Properties:

  • Particle size analysis is required to ensure the limestone is sufficiently fine for blending with feeds but does not generate excessive dust.
  • Sieve testing is conducted according to recognized ASTM test methods.

• Testing Methods:
  Prescribed methods address chemical analysis (ASTM C25, C1271, C1301) and particle size distribution (ASTM C110).

• Sampling and Quality Assurance:
  Sampling, inspection, retesting, and packaging must adhere to industry-recognized ASTM practices.

• International Standardization:
  Developed following WTO principles, ASTM C706-19 meets international expectations for consistency and trade compliance.

Applications

Limestone for animal feed use is primarily valued for supplying essential calcium to livestock, poultry, and other farm animals. Key practical applications include:

• Feed Formulation:
  Ensuring the provision of correctly sized and chemically appropriate limestone as a mineral supplement, supporting animal growth, bone development, and overall health.

• Quality Control in Feed Mills:
  The standard provides measurable criteria for feed manufacturers to evaluate incoming limestone, helping maintain feed quality and regulatory compliance.

• Supplier Consistency:
  Functions as a procurement benchmark, allowing buyers to specify limestone requirements and enabling suppliers to guarantee consistent product quality.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  Adoption of ASTM C706-19 facilitates adherence to feed safety and labelling laws by stipulating chemical and physical requirements for limestone used in feeds.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards complement and inform C706-19 implementation:

• ASTM C25 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• ASTM C50/C50M - Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• ASTM C51 - Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone
• ASTM C110 - Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• ASTM C1271 - Test Method for X-ray Spectrometric Analysis of Lime and Limestone
• ASTM C1301 - Test Methods for Major and Trace Elements in Limestone and Lime by ICP and AA
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Summary

Compliance with ASTM C706-19 ensures limestone used in animal feeds meets rigorous standards for chemical content and physical properties. This boosts animal health, protects feed quality, and enhances buyer confidence. Integrating this standard into feed production and procurement practices supports both product quality and regulatory requirements for the animal feed industry.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:C706 −19
Standard Specification for
Limestone for Animal Feed Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C706; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* Lime and Limestone
C1301 Test Method for Major and Trace Elements in Lime-
1.1 This specification covers limestone supplied for use as a
stone and Lime by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic
mineral supplement in animal feeds.
Emission Spectroscopy (ICP) and Atomic Absorption
NOTE 1—The calcium needed for animal nutrition is customarily
(AA)
supplied by limestone. Such limestone must be sufficiently fine to blend
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
with mixed feeds and yet be free from excessive dusting.
Sieves
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 3. Terminology
standard, except for sieve frames which are given in inch-
3.1 Definitionsoftermsapplyingtothisspecificationappear
pound units in accordance with Specification E11.
in Terminology C51.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. General Requirements
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4.1 The product must be suitable for animal feeding.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5. Chemical Requirements
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 Limestone, as identified on feed labels, shall conform to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- the chemical requirements given in Table 1.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6. Physical Requirements
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 6.1 Particle size analysis and other physical requirements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. shall be specified by the purchaser.
7. Test Methods
2. Referenced Documents
7.1 Chemical Analysis—Unless otherwise agreed upon be-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tween the purchaser and the manufacturer, the chemical analy-
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone,
sis of the limestone shall be conducted in accordance with Test
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
Methods C25, C1271,or C1301.
C50/C50M Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation,
Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
7.2 Particle Size—Unless otherwise agreed upon between
C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used
the purchaser and the manufacturer, the sieve analysis of the
by the Industry)
material shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime,
C110.
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
7.2.1 Procedure—If the entire sample is not to be dried,
C1271 Test Method for X-ray Spectrometric Analysis of
obtain lesser portions by riffling or quartering. Dry at between
115to120°Ctoaconstantmassandcooltoroomtemperature.
Obtain a 90 to 120-g dry sample by riffling or quartering. If the
This spec
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This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C706 − 13 C706 − 19
Standard Specification for
Limestone for Animal Feed Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C706; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers limestone supplied for use as a mineral supplement in animal feeds.
NOTE 1—The calcium needed for animal nutrition is customarily supplied by limestone. Such limestone must be sufficiently fine to blend with mixed
feeds and yet be free from excessive dusting.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard,
except for sieve frames which are given in inch-pound units in accordance with Specification E11.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
C50C50/C50M Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
C1271 Test Method for X-ray Spectrometric Analysis of Lime and Limestone
C1301 Test Method for Major and Trace Elements in Limestone and Lime by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission
Spectroscopy (ICP) and Atomic Absorption (AA)
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of terms applying to this specification appear in Terminology C51.
4. General Requirements
4.1 The product must be suitable for animal feeding.
5. Chemical Requirements
5.1 Limestone, as identified on feed labels, shall conform to the chemical requirements given in Table 1.
6. Physical Requirements
6.1 Sieve Particle size analysis and other physical requirements shall be specified by the purchaser.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C07 on Lime and Limestone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C07.02 on Specifications
and Guidelines.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2013Dec. 1, 2019. Published January 2014December 2019. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 20082013
ε1
as C706 – 02 (2008)C706 – 13. . DOI: 10.1520/C0706-13.10.1520/C0706-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes sec
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