Optimizing organic acid application in animal feed

3 Optimizing organic acid application in animal feed 

It has been proposed that the ruminal microbial ecosystem be manipulated to improve the efficiency of converting feeds to products consumable by humans. In so doing, the organic acids may replace antibiotics and be added to feed for ruminants. Fortunately, application in ruminants is less extensive than in other farm animals and organic acids such as aspartate, citric acid, succinic acid, or pyruvic acid have been investigated and proposed as potential agents for use in ruminants. The advantages of these substances in the rumen are described as (Castillo et al., 2004)  

Edema disease in piglets, caused by ETEC, normally occurs after weaning. Acidic conditions in the GIT are known to have bactericidal effects on potentially harmful bacteria, as it is a more favorable environment for lactobacilli, which may inhibit the colonization and proliferation of Escherichia coli. Lactobacilli also produce metabolites against Gramnegative bacteria. Organic acids may also be applied to reduce coliform 

Organic acids have also been proposed to be used in rearing water systems for broilers to reduce cross-infection of Campylobacter spp. on a farm. However, further research is necessary to specify the exact effect of acidified water on the transmission of Campylobacter among chickens (Chaveerach et al., 2002). 

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