Organic acids as promising alternatives to antibiotics in livestock production: Mechanisms and applications

Abstract

Livestock production has increased due to the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock farming; nevertheless, this practice has resulted in serious issues with antimicrobial resistance and has an adverse effect on both human health and the environment. Therefore, the search for safe and effective alternatives becomes very important. Conventional antibiotics may eventually be replaced by organic acids such as butyric, propionic, acetic, and formic acids. These substances reduce the number of harmful microorganisms without affecting the good intestinal flora by lowering the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down the cell membranes of harmful bacteria, and preventing the action of crucial enzymes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that adding organic acids to livestock feed or drink can enhance the immune system, growth performance, and digestive health of animals, particularly pigs, cattle, and chickens. Its effectiveness is influenced by the type of acid, dose, dosage form, and digestive environmental conditions. In practice, organic acids can be used alone or in combination, as well as in conjunction with probiotics or prebiotics to maximize their synergistic effects. Although encouraging, obstacles still need to be addressed, including the stability of organic acids in feed, individual animal response variations, and production costs. Further research is needed to optimize effective usage strategies, dosages, and formulations. Therefore, organic acids present a potentially secure, effective, and sustainable substitute to lessen the livestock industry's need on antibiotics.