From Acidifiers to Intestinal Health Enhancers: How Organic Acids Can Improve Growth Efficiency of Pigs

Abstract

Organic acids have been used successfully in pig production as a cost-effective performance-enhancing option and they continue to be the number one alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. The aim of this review is to provide the biological rationale behind organic acids use in pig production, focusing on their different effects along the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. Organic acids are reviewed for their antimicrobial properties and for their classic use as acidifiers, with particular attention to pH modulation and microflora control. Additional beneficial effects on intestinal health and general metabolism are presented and we explain the advantage of microencapsulation as a tool to deliver organic acids along the intestine.

Effects of Tributyrin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Insulin, Blood Metabolites and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets

“…In fact, post weaning is a critical phase in pig livestock as several stressors can compromise the health status and the productive parameters of the piglets, causing limitations in the digestive and absorptive capacity [31]. The supplementation of organic acids reduces also the gastric pH, resulting in the increase of pepsin activity, gastric retention time and improved protein digestion [32]. However, the use of butyrate instead of tributyrin led to the rapid absorption of butyrate at stomach level, which causes a reduced availability in the intestine, where it plays a pivotal role [8].…”

Nature-Identical Compounds and Organic Acids Reduce E. coli K88 Growth and Virulence Gene Expression In Vitro

“…The spread of multi-resistant bacteria caused by antimicrobials use and abuse, together with the difficulties in finding new antibacterial drugs [29], dictates that novel strategies to manage E. coli K88 infections are required. OA and NIC have gained attention because of their recognized antimicrobial properties [13,14] and could therefore represent a valid approach to help manage bacterial infections as stand-alone treatments or as antibiotic adjuvants [9,30].…”

“…Interestingly, this bactericidal activity only occurs against pH-sensitive bacteria, such as bacteria belonging to Escherichia, Clostridium, Salmonella, and Listeria genus. Non-pH-sensitive bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, can innately face and manage lower intracytoplasmic pH levels, without being negatively affected by OA anions [13].…”

Nature-Identical Compounds and Organic Acids Ameliorate and Prevent the Damages Induced by an Inflammatory Challenge in Caco-2 Cell Culture

“…Organic acids and NIC are widely used as feed additives in animal nutrition because of their beneficial effects on growth performance and intestinal morphology, as well as their antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [ 10 , 11 ]. This study focused on the activity of selected OA, citric and sorbic acid, and NIC, thymol and vanillin on human Caco-2 intestinal cell line.…”

“…For these reasons, it is important to develop strategies to prevent intestinal barrier failure, supporting animal healthy growth (especially in the early stages of life like weaning). In this context, bioactive compounds such as organic acids (OA) and nature-identical compounds (NIC) can exert a role in the maintenance of intestinal functionality, due to their numerous biological properties [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. In particular, our research group [ 13 ] reported the beneficial effects of a blend of OA (citric and sorbic acid) and NIC (thymol and vanillin), on porcine intestinal barrier functionality, through a stimulation of the local immune response.…”