Mar 25, 2008 2867 views 6 comments

Acid questions

Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis

Organic acids are without doubt the most commonly used replacements for antimicrobial growth promoters. As organic acids are quite expensive, questions regarding their correct use never cease to come up in conversations. Here I describe some common recent issues.

Organic acids are without doubt the most commonly used replacements for antimicrobial growth promoters. Although there is currently no perfect replacement for 'antibiotics', organic acids have proven they can offer the best alternative.

That is, at least, in terms of performance, if not in terms of cost! As organic acids are quite expensive, questions regarding their correct use never cease to come up in conversations. Below are the most common issues I have faced in the last couple years.

* Which acid is the best?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Different acids are effective against different microorganisms. Moreover, acids affect the gastrointestinal pH according to their own strength, expressed as pKa. Today, there are several criteria that help a nutritionist or veterinarian select the right acid for the right job.

* One acid or more?
Research and experience has shown that a blend of acids always works best in cases where a plethora of microorganisms are targeted under diverse farm conditions. Among the most popular blends, those of formic, lactic, and propionic are widely used. Nevertheless, a properly selected strong acid can definitely be more effective than an unspecific blend of weak acids!

* How much should I use?
Original research on acids was done with up to 2% acids in complete feed. At such levels, organic acids prevented scours and enhanced growth performance. Current practice, however, calls for inclusion levels starting from 0.1%, with more 'aggressive' levels being 0.5%. This is mainly due to cost considerations. Exact dosage, again, depends on pathogenic load and overall farm conditions. The more likely the pigs to scour post-weaning, the higher the dose should be.

* Will pigs go off feed if I use too much?
Most likely not as pigs enjoy a tangy taste, especially that coming from citric acid! Organic acids should be used up to lowering the pH of complete feed down to 4-4.5. Below this level pigs might start refusing feed, but this depends on the overall feed composition.

* Are inorganic acids effective?
Yes and no! Phosphoric acid is effective in lowering gastrointestinal pH, but it is largely ineffective against direct suppression of pathogens. Hydrochloric acid, which is the acid secreted by the stomach, is quite effective, but its practical applications are not well established. More research is needed on this one!

* Should essential oils be combined with acids?
Yes! When these two are combined together, it appears that their action becomes synergistic. Essential oils are less expensive than acids - at least at practical inclusion levels - but their true potential is rarely expressed when used alone. There, the right combination of essential oils is equally important as all products are not created equal!

6 comments

Robert Gauthier

27 Mar 2008 14:31

Very interesting list of comments from your part. We know much more now on the mode of action of OA in the GIT of animals. OA do not lower the GIT pH, at best when used at high level, the stomach pH might be modified but only if the buffering capacity of the feed is controlled. Free OA have to be used at high level (the Danish Pig Production group says at least 10 kg/ton) because they will be dissociated in the stomach and proximal duodenum and will lose most of their antibacterial capacity.
Over acidification will reduce Ca bone deposition as a compensatory mechanism.
The use of microencapsulated OA or combination of OA and essential oils will allow a very low inclusion rate and better efficacy without the negative side effects. Piva et al. at the University of Bologna in Italy have done a very clear demonstration of this concept as published in JAS 2007, vol. 85:486-493 and in a Danish Pig Production report # 772, Dec. 2006.
Fernando Tamames

28 Mar 2008 17:43

What is the dosage for acids to be bacteriostatic (MIC) and what is the dosage to be bactericidal (MBC)?

When you indicte bacteriostaic at what level of bacteria you consider 10 to the 4 or 10 to the 5?
monica

30 Mar 2008 12:01

Organic acid is so expensive.
Jose A. Lopez

30 Mar 2008 18:00

Good explanation but don't forget another organic acid like benzoic, registered in EU for piglets and pigs with a good activity as antimicrobial, better performance and with a very interesting pKa
Hideo Yamamoto

31 Mar 2008 01:07

On feeding liquid feed,we must take care of acid tolerant(acid adaptive)E.coli
and Salmonella and then clean
pipe (from feed valve to feeder)and tank.
Ioannis Mavromichalis

31 Mar 2008 11:17

Dear Friends,

As expected, this topic raised more questions than it actually answered! I think this is superb...To answer specific questions.

Robert, that organic acids do not affect much the GIT pH was already suspected for a couple of decades now. Still, lowering stomach pH reduces the introduction of pathogens via feed, so this is beneficial.

Fernando, the exact dosage depends on the acid and strain of bacteria used. It is best to discuss this with your supplier of acids; they should be able to run such lab tests for you!

Many thanks to all commentators for their contributions. Your sharing of experience is much appreaciated.