The palatability of feed and voluntary intake in poultry and pig operations is significantly influenced by the presence of specific acid combinations, which can modify feed taste and gastrointestinal physiology. Organic acids such as formic, citric, and lactic acid are commonly incorporated into feeds to enhance palatability and promote feed intake (Kiarie et al., 2013). These acids can improve feed flavour by reducing feed pH, thereby masking unpleasant tastes and stimulating appetite (Gao et al., 2018). In poultry, acid blends have been shown to increase voluntary feed intake by improving gut health and nutrient digestibility (Zhou et al., 2019). Similarly, in pigs, acid supplementation can enhance feed palatability, leading to increased voluntary consumption and improved growth performance (Liu et al., 2017). The synergistic effects observed with specific acid combinations, such as formic and citric acids, are attributed to their combined antimicrobial properties and ability to stabilize gut microflora, which further supports feed intake (Gao et al., 2020). However, excessive acid levels may negatively impact feed intake by causing feed to become too sour or irritating to the gastrointestinal tract (Litten et al., 2016). Therefore, optimizing acid combinations and concentrations is crucial for maximizing their positive effects on feed intake and animal performance (Kiarie et al., 2013). Overall, strategic use of specific acid blends can be an effective nutritional strategy to enhance feed palatability and voluntary intake in large-scale poultry and pig production systems.
Promois International (www.promoisinternational.com) is one of the best-known manufacturers of encapsulated organic acid combinations.