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Products | Organic Acids : BASF SE

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Organic Acids

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In animal nutrition, organic acids are used for their strong antimicrobial effect. Although not
antibiotics, they can inhibit and stop the grow th of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
BASF offers pure and buffered organic acids, as w ell as mixtures.

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Organic acids are used as preserv ativ es for the preserv ation of
feedstuffs. At the same time, they inhibit the grow th of specific
germs due to their antimicrobial properties. Organic acids
therefore make an important contribution to improv ing feed
hygiene and positiv ely impact the performance and health of
farm animals.

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Antimicrobial effects
The antimicrobial effects of organic acids are based on three facts:
1.
2.
3.

Acidity lowers the pH value so that growth and propagation of undesired microorganisms is no
longer possible or very limited.
Undissociated acid molecules are lipophilic and can penetrate cell membranes of pathogenic
bacteria, such as salmonellae. This weakens the microorganism and inhibits enzyme activity
stopping propagation.
Dissociated acid molecules, which cannot penetrate the cell membrane, cause damage to the
membrand protein. This alters membrane permeability for minerals, such as sodium and
potassium, changes the osmotic cell pressure and ultimately leads to cell death.

No resistance has been observ ed despite the fact that organic acids hav e been used in animal
nutrition for many years.

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Application of organic acids

Based on their antimicrobial effects, the four primary areas of application of organic acids in animal
nutrition are as follows:
- Preserv ation
Individual feeds, compound feeds, silages
- Control of pathogenic microorganisms
Salmonellae, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens
- Hygienization of animal drinking w ater
Prevention of biofilms
- Nutritiv e effects
Reduction of pH value, greater protein and P digestibility, lower proneness to diarrhea, improved
litter quality, increased feed intake
While formic acid is particularly effective against pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli or S. aureus, and
undesired yeasts, such as C. albicans, propionic acid is relatively superior against fungi, such as A.
flavus, which can produce aflatoxin.
For control of pathogenic bacteria, such as salmonellae or E. coli as well as yeasts, pure formic acid or
acid blends with high formic acid content are most suitable.
For the preservation of feedstuffs, on the other hand, in which molds play an important role, pure
propionic acid or acid blends with high propionic acid content are the best choice.
For more information, please download our product catalog or order our technical handbook.

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Note: national regulations may vary and need to be considered prior to product use.

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