Role of Acidifiers in Gut health management
Health
In aquaculture feed, incorporating organic acids and their salts as growth promoters has become a recognized practice. However, implementing acidifiers in aquafeed demands a tailored approach due to diverse feeding habits and variations in digestive system structure and function among aquatic species. Dietary organic acids can enhance pancreatic enzyme production, lower stomach pH, combat pathogens, enhance energy provision, optimize mineral utilization, and boost nutrient digestibility, collectively enhancing overall animal growth and performance.
Feed Palatability
Acidifiers enhance feed palatability and intake
Nutrient Digestibility.
Short-chain organic acids offer more than just altering gut microflora. They also enhance digestive enzyme activity, boost pancreatic secretion, promote the growth of intestinal epithelium, strengthen the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and improve the absorption of essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and calcium.
Effect in Gut
The gut morphology of aquatic animals influences how acidifiers work. Both gastric and monogastric aquatic species benefit from organic acids, but the effectiveness and optimal doses vary among species due to differences in gut structure. Organic acids lower pH levels in the stomach and gut, inhibiting microbial growth by altering cell metabolism and enzyme activity, particularly in pathogens.
Growth
Dietary supplementation of organic acids will improve growth, feed conversion ratio, disease resistance, and survival.
Immunity
- Acidifiers in aquaculture improve health by targeting acid-labile gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella more effectively than acid-tolerant Lactobacilli.
- Anti-inflammatory properties contribute to enhanced performance, especially with sodium or potassium salts of organic acids, like potassium formate or diformate.
- At low pH, undissociated organic acids can penetrate pathogenic bacteria, disrupting nutrient transport, metabolism, and enzyme activity, and inhibiting growth.
- Acid-tolerant bacteria like Lactobacillus remain unaffected or may even flourish.
- Organic acids can damage the DNA of gram-negative bacteria, causing their death.
- Medium-chain fatty acids such as capric, caprylic, and lauric acid exhibit potent antimicrobial effects against both gram-negative and gram-positive pathogens.
Commonly used Acidifiers in Aquaculture
- Formic acid or calcium formate and potassium formate as their most important salts.
- Acetic acid or its sodium salt sodium acetate
- Propionic acid or calcium propionate; butyric acid or sodium butyrate
- Lactic acid and citric acid, Malic acid, fumaric acid
Effect of acidifiers in feed
- Higher growth rate
- Increases protein digestibility
- Improved feed conversion ratio
- Improved immune response
- Better feed conversion ratio