[Ergotropic effects through the nutritive use of organic acids]

Experimental data showed a significant improvement of growth rate and efficiency of feed utilization of young animals (piglets) by the dietary inclusion of organic acids. These ergotropic effects were mainly observed with citric acid, fumaric acid and formic acid as well as with Ca and Na formate. The merely dietary pH lowering with an inorganic acid (ortho-phosphoric acid) failed to show a nutritive efficacy. Studies on the mode of action of organic acids indicated a higher protein and energy digestibility, a lower stomach pH and reduced levels of NH3 and lactic acid in the stomach and duodenal digesta. Furthermore, the duodenum mainly contained a significant lower bacterial population for E. coli and enterococci. By this way the burden of metabolism of the host may be reduced which results in a higher overall performance.