Calcium formate is a white to almost white fine crystalline powder. It can be used an accelerator for the pozzolanic cement pastes. On the one hand, it shortens the initial and final setting times and increases the compressive strength and combined water content as well as gel/space ratio at all ages of hydration. On the other hand, it decreases the total porosity. It has been shown that it has a growth-promoting effect in weanling pigs challenged with E. coli, independently of their susceptibility to the intestinal adhesion of this strain. More importantly, calcium formate can be used as a nutrient supplement to the feed of young growing pigs or fattening poultry, further boosting the growth of animals and the feed utilization. At the same time, it causes a reduction of the occurrence of piglet diarrhea.Calcium formate is also used as a preservative in animal feed within the EU region, but not in human food.

Calcium formate as feed additive can promote appetite and reduce diarrhea rate of piglets.Adding 1% ~ 1.5% calcium formate in the diet of piglets can significantly improve the performance of weaned piglets.It is important to note that calcium formate use is effective before and after weaning because the piglets' own secretion of hydrochloric acid increases with age.