Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid Feed Grade

Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) is an organic acid that has significance as a feed additive. It is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid produced by anaerobic metabolism of sugars in living organisms and through bacterial fermentation. Lactic acid is widely recognized for its acidifying, preservative, and antimicrobial properties in animal nutrition.

Specifically, lactic acid appears as a colorless to slightly yellow, hygroscopic syrupy liquid. It functions as an acidifier by lowering the pH of feed and the gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella while promoting a favorable environment for beneficial microorganisms. Lactic acid is miscible with water and alcohol. It is an effective preservative that can extend feed shelf life and reduce microbial contamination.

Research has demonstrated that lactic acid, along with other organic acids such as citric acid and fumaric acid, is widely used as a feed acidifier. Lactic acid fermentation can produce a clean and natural acidifying effect. It is safe for use in animal feed at appropriate concentrations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated lactic acid as a preservative and acidifier in animal nutrition and found it acceptable for use.

Lactic Acid Feed Grade is carefully manufactured under strict quality control. It is available in various concentrations (commonly 50–90% solutions) and is widely used in poultry, swine, ruminant, and aquaculture operations to improve feed hygiene, support gut health, and enhance overall animal performance.