Propionic Acid

Propionic Acid Feed Grade

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring short-chain carboxylic acid that has significance as a feed additive. It is widely recognized for its preservative and antimicrobial properties, playing a crucial role in maintaining feed quality and supporting animal health in livestock operations.

Specifically, propionic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a pungent, somewhat unpleasant odor. It functions as a fungicide and bactericide by lowering pH and creating an environment that inhibits the growth of molds and bacteria in stored grains, hay, and animal feed. The antimicrobial efficacy of propionic acid is based on its ability to penetrate bacterial cells in its undissociated form, where it disrupts essential cellular functions. It has been shown to reduce mycotoxin levels in preserved grain and, in weaned piglets, improve body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake while reducing intestinal inflammatory markers.

Propionic acid is currently authorised by the European Food Safety Authority as a technological feed additive (functional group: silage additives) for all terrestrial animal species. The additive appears on the EU market with a purity of at least 99.5%. The maximum safe levels in complete feed are 10,000 mg/kg for poultry and 30,000 mg/kg for pigs; ruminants show high tolerance, with ruminal production being considerably higher than reasonable feed supplementation. It is also designated as generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA.

Propionic Acid Feed Grade is carefully manufactured under strict quality control. It is commonly used in combination with other organic acids such as formic acid and acetic acid to achieve synergistic antimicrobial effects. The product is widely used in poultry, swine, and ruminant operations to improve feed hygiene, preserve grain quality, extend shelf life, and support overall animal health and performance.