What are organic acids?
Organic acids are compounds that carry one or more carboxyl groups (–COOH). Those used in animal nutrition are mostly short-chain acids such as formic, acetic and propionic acid, along with lactic, citric, fumaric, sorbic and benzoic acid. Many occur naturally as products of microbial fermentation or plant metabolism.
Each acid has a characteristic pKa, the pH at which half of it is in the undissociated form. This property, together with the acid's molecular size and solubility, largely determines where and how strongly it acts.
How do organic acids work?
- Lowering pH: acids reduce the pH and buffering capacity of feed and water, and in young animals they can help lower stomach pH, which supports protein digestion.
- Antimicrobial effect: in their undissociated form some acids can pass through bacterial and fungal cell membranes; inside the cell they dissociate and disturb its metabolism. Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli are sensitive to several of them.
- Mould inhibition: propionic acid and its salts are widely used to inhibit mould growth in grain and stored feed.
- Nutrient source: some acids and their anions can also be used as an energy source by the animal or the gut cells.
Uses by species and application
- Piglets: after weaning, stomach acid secretion is limited; acidifiers are commonly used to support digestion and gut microbial balance.
- Growing pigs: benzoic acid is used in some markets for its effects on performance and urine pH; in the EU it is authorised for specific pig categories, and local regulations and the label prevail.
- Poultry: added to feed or drinking water to support feed and water hygiene, including Salmonella control programmes.
- Feed and grain preservation: propionic and formic acid blends protect moist grain, by-products and finished feed against mould and bacteria.
- Ruminants: preservatives are used mainly in silage and moist feeds rather than as gut acidifiers.
Forms and how the inclusion is assessed
Liquid free acids act quickly but are corrosive and need suitable dosing equipment and protective handling. Salts and buffered blends are easier to handle and less corrosive, while coated or encapsulated products are designed to release part of the acid further along the gut. Many commercial acidifiers combine several acids to cover a wider pH range and spectrum of activity.
The choice of product and inclusion rate depends on the goal (preservation, hygiene or gut acidification), the moisture and microbial load of the raw material, the species and age, and the buffering capacity of the diet, which is raised by limestone and some mineral sources. The product label and local regulations should always be followed.
Quality criteria and handling
- Guaranteed content of each acid or salt and the total acid value.
- For liquids: concentration, density and corrosiveness; compatible tanks, pumps and protective equipment.
- For powders: carrier type, flowability, dustiness and moisture.
- Compatibility with other ingredients: strong acids can reduce the stability of some vitamins and enzymes, so they are usually not mixed directly into concentrated premixes without technical evaluation.
- Certificate of analysis (CoA) and lot traceability.
CTF Premix and organic acids
Organic acids and their salts are not part of CTF Premix's standard range, but they can be evaluated for inclusion in custom premixes on request. Our technical team assesses the acid form, its compatibility with vitamins and other premix components and the intended inclusion rate. Custom premixes are produced at our Ankara facility under ISO 9001:2015 and GMP with lot traceability.
This page is for general information. Inclusion rates and product choice should be decided with a nutritionist, taking into account the species, the feed formulation and the applicable regulations.