Organic Acids in Pig Nutrition – Novel Solutions

Organic acids have been for long added into piglet feeds to improve gastric health and post-weaning performance and, more recently, to replace antibiotic growth promoters in these functions. Organic acids lower the buffering capacity of the feed, compensate for the poor gastric acidification and endogenous lactic acid production after weaning, and reduce the numbers of pathogens in the gastro-intestinal tract. While the general effects of organic acids on piglet performance are well documented, there are still many open questions, such as mechanisms of action, comparative efficacy of various acids and role of carriers and coatings. There is increasing body of evidence that organic acids may improve the performance of fattening pigs as well. In addition to target efficacy, the safety and convenience of handling are important issues for the practical use of the products on feed mills and farms.