Acidify to amplify growth performance

The recent complete ban on the use of the antibiotic growth promoting substances by the EU and partly in several other countries worldwide urged nutritionists and animal scientists to seek for alternatives. The use of organic acids in poultry and pig nutrition appears to be an interesting solution that can enhance the eff ect of other feed additives, as well. In combination with other substances such as essential oil compounds from aromatic plants with established antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and the use of exogenous enzymes organic acids can off er a potential synergistic activity towards improvement of several health parameters and growth performance. Organic acids are administered mainly through the feed but they may be administered through the drinking water as well. Successful utilization in poultry and pig nutrition requires knowledge of their mode of action. It is generally accepted that organic acids and their salts lower feed and gastric pH increasing the activity of proteolytic enzymes and, thus, improving protein digestion. Besides, they reduce the buff ering capacity of the feeds, resulting in reduced intestinal colonization with pathogens. They also improve the apparent digestibility of proteins and amino acids, increase the absorption of minerals and aff ect the composition of intestinal microflora and mucosal morphology. Although, the eff ects of organic acids, essential oil compounds and enzymes when used as the only dietary supplements on performance of poultry and pigs vary considerably, their combinations demonstrate an increased consistency and, thus, further research is needed for a better understanding of the mode of action of diff erent substances applied in combination.