Application of organic acids in poultry nutrition

Nowadays, there is an increased public awareness about the risk of developing cross-resistance of pathogens to antibiotics.1 Organic acids, such as propionic acid, have been used for more than 30years to reduce bacterial growth and mould in feedstuffs and thus preserve hygienic quality. Health and performance promoting effects have been demonstrated for a number of organic acids, including formic, fumaric, citric and lactic acid and their salts. In animal rearing, higher feed conversion rates and daily gain as well as reduced incidence of diarrhea, enhance economic return by lower feed costs and shorter time to market may achieved by organic acid supplementation.2 Organic acid definition