Cobalt lactate

Cobalt lactate is a chemical compound, a salt of cobalt and lactic acid with the formula Co(C3H5O3)2.

Synthesis
Cobalt lactate can be formed by boiling hydrated oxide of cobalt with lactic acid.

Physical properties
Cobalt lactate forms a peach-blossom red salt. It is soluble in water.

When heated, the compound becomes black, takes fire, and leaves cobalt oxide.

Use
Cobalt lactate is used as a ruminal source of cobalt in a high-forage total mixed ration fed to late-lactation dairy cows.