Organic acids and essential oils

Successful feed formulations must both promote the growth of the animal and discourage the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Feeding for health as well as nutrition is certainly a major criterion in the design and formulation of piglet and poultry feeds.

Organic acids are used in feeds for their various beneficial effects: feed preservation to control microbial growth, reduction of the feed buffer capacity, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria and improvement of nutrient digestibility. These effects will result in improved growth performance and improved profitability of pig and poultry production.

Due to their different chemical structures, different acids have different properties and the response to diet acidification may be affected by type of acid, inclusion level, diet composition and dietary buffering capacity (especially in young pigs). The traditional ‘one-acid-fits all ‘strategy has been replaced by the design of acidifier blends since such a blend will combine the positive properties desirable antimicrobial effects. The key basic principle on the mode of action of organic acids on bacteria is that non-dissociated (Non-ionized) organic acids can penetrate the bacteria cell wall and disrupt the normal physiology of certain types of bacteria. We call these bacteria"pH sensitive "meaning that they cannot tolerate a wide internal and external pH gradient. Among those bacteria we have E.coli, Salmonella spp, C. Perfringens. It has been well demonstrated that the state of the organic acids (non- dissociated or dissociated) is extremely important to define their capacity to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

As a general rule, we need more than ten to twenty times the level of dissociated acids to reach the same inhibition of bacteria, compared to non-dissociated acids. Among the wide range of organic acids used in animal nutrition both Lauric acid and Sorbic- Benzoic acid take on a unique role in reducing the risks for incidence such as necrotic enteritis (Clostridium perfringens) and Colibacillosis in pigs. As well as the reduction of Salmonella load in pigs / poultry.

Natural plant or herbal extracts are yet another potential viable alternative to traditional antimicrobials. Phytogenic substances (Essential Oils) are made of aromatic substances / components, plant extracts, herbs and spices. Phytogenic substances have been shown to positively affect performance, gut physiology and gut microbiota of monogastrics. Some of the insoluble plant parts stimulate enzyme secretion and bile acid production.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts produced by further refinement of plant extracts (botanicals) by distillation. These substances have antimicrobial, antioxidant, coccidiostatic and even antiviral properties. Claims are also made for increased digestive enzyme secretion and improved immune function. In-vitro / In- Vivo studies had shown essential oils to have powerful antimicrobial effects.

To secure these actions in the Feed - GIT we have been able to successfully combined in a triple realease matrix coating the EO- OA compounds by Encapsulation.

It is extremely difficult to generalize on the mode of action of essential oils (EO) and Organic Acids on bacteria and yeasts because each EO - OA has different properties and each type of microorganism has Different sensitivity. Generally, Gram+ bacteria are considered more sensitive to EO than Gram-bacteria Because of their less complex membrane structure. The consensus on the mode of action of EO on bacteria is now that these aromatic compounds influence the biological membranes of bacteria. More and more, the concept of combining essential oils and organic acids is proving to be efficacious because there appears to be a FUZION EFFECT between the two concepts.

Experiments have shown a strong synergy between both types of products, The FUZION EFFECT. This synergy is thought to come from the ability of the plant extracts volatile oils to weaken bacterial cell walls, increasing its permeability to the organic acids by passive diffusion increasing intra- cellular drop in Ph. It has been demonstrated that when both types of products are protected in a special matrix, the quantity / dosage required achieving maximum performance in pigs and poultry can be reduced drastically.

There is a general consensus on the efficacy of Lauric and Sorbic-Benzoic + EO as one of the best alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Phytogenic - aromatic substances act in synergy with organic acids both for their growth promoting effect and prevention of specific intestinal diseases. Now we have an encapsulation technology developed by Agranco that enhances the efficacy of organic acids and essential oils, at low level of inclusion. Now we have Agracid - S the FUZION EFFECT.