Morantel Tartrate: Understanding Its Physical Characteristics and Product Profile

What is Morantel Tartrate?

Morantel tartrate appears as an antiparasitic agent, widely used for decades in veterinary medicine. It helps control and eliminate internal parasites, especially in livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. In my experience on small family farms, clean pastures and worm-free herds owe a lot to compounds like this. The backbone of morantel tartrate's effectiveness lies in its chemistry. Farmers and manufacturers pay close attention to its purity, consistency, and handling traits for these reasons. You can spot morantel tartrate as a solid, often encountered as a fine powder or crystalline granule. The color turns up white or off-white, almost odorless, so identifying it doesn’t pose a fuss. Its ease of mixing into feed or dissolving in liquid solutions can shape how farmers approach deworming protocols. Many buyers ask about the substance’s physical state and density before bringing it on board in their operations.

Chemical Structure and Properties

At a molecular level, morantel tartrate comes from the pyrimidine class of derivatives, designed to paralyze and expel parasitic worms. The molecular formula usually presents as C11H20N2O·C4H6O6, with a molar mass hovering around 420 grams per mole. The molecule features both basic and acidic groups, which play into how the compound dissolves in water and reacts to changes in pH. The density of morantel tartrate typically shows up near 1.37 g/cm³, though slight variation can occur from batch to batch. Handling the fine powder, I’ve noticed that it clumps in humid air, suggesting storage in dry, sealed containers. The powder or crystalline flakes pour smoothly, allowing fairly straightforward weighing and mixing into finished products. Its consistent solubility in water supports dosing accuracy in both powdered premixes and liquid drench solutions. Those running feed mills or preparing custom supplements keep an eye out for uniformity in crystal size, since this factor can affect blending and overall stability. Its melting point tends to fall around 140 to 150 degrees Celsius.

Specifications and Physical Forms

Morantel tartrate lands in the market in several forms, typically solid powder, flakes, or larger crystalline pearls. This versatility lets manufacturers choose a format depending on need: powders mix freely with meal rations, while solid chunks or crystals work for slow-release applications. The specifications call for a purity close to 99 percent, limited moisture content, and tight control of residual solvents. I’ve read technical datasheets where manufacturers promise less than 1 percent loss on drying and low levels of trace impurities, ensuring animals get safe, active medicine. The physical shape matters for storage and transport—compact powders may pack in tighter bags, while pearly granules resist dust generation.

HS Code and Regulatory Oversight

Morantel tartrate’s trade and transportation fall under HS Code 293339. This code covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen as the only hetero-atom. Customs officials and importers cross-check this identification for documentation, tariffs, and compliance with animal health regulations. Ensuring the right code helps authorities and buyers trace shipments and verify quality. Regulatory agencies demand transparent labeling and documentation for each batch. On the farm, I’ve seen local inspectors review packaging and certificates tied to the HS Code, confirming that products meet safety standards before going into herds or flocks. Batches must carry manufacturing lot codes, shelf-life information, and expiration dates, as required under veterinary drug regulations in many jurisdictions. This tight oversight protects both animal health and food safety down the line.

Safety, Hazards, and Raw Material Considerations

Morantel tartrate describes a safe profile when used as directed, though mishandling or excessive exposure raises some risks. The substance holds a mild irritant classification, especially in dust form. Proper use of gloves, masks, and local ventilation controls help avoid sneezing or skin irritation during dosing. According to the material safety data sheets, morantel tartrate is not classified as a highly hazardous chemical. Still, accidental ingestion by non-target animals or people must be avoided. At the feed mill where I worked, clear training and locked storage bins made a difference in keeping staff and animals safe. Waste and spills need direct cleanup, since the chemical’s action on worms suggests it could impact soil organisms if released persistently. Raw material sourcing demands traceability—producers supply origin documents, test for contaminants, and sometimes verify that no antibiotic residues tag along from upstream reactions. This fidelity in supply makes sure that end-users trust what goes into food-producing animals. Finished products cannot contain solvents or synthesis leftovers above regulated thresholds, so buyers receive batch analyses detailing residuals and ingredient composition. Many feed businesses pull random samples for third-party tests before using any new supplier.

Importance in Modern Agriculture and Potential Improvements

Morantel tartrate plays a key role in keeping farm animals productive, healthy, and market-ready. By targeting parasitic worms, it cuts production losses linked to malnutrition, slow growth, and reproductive problems. Without solid control, parasite infestations lead to swollen bellies, poor wool, and wasted feed, as I’ve seen in under-managed flocks during wet seasons. Morantel tartrate’s predictable action suits rotational deworming programs, minimizing resistance buildup. Still, farmers and scientists need to stay ahead of emerging resistances by rotating dewormers and running diagnostics on herds. Product suppliers keep records of molecular markers tied to effectiveness and share updates with their customers, so dosages and timing stay on target. Sustainability in raw material sourcing and greener reaction pathways offer room for the industry to lower its environmental footprint as global regulations press for cleaner production. New crystal forms, better storage solutions, and dust-free granulation may further improve safety and ease of use down the road. For all of its chemistry, morantel tartrate depends on responsible handlers throughout the supply chain, from lab bench to barn door.