Concentrated organic acid blend for livestock feed containing formic acid and its salts (max 50%), propionic acid and its salts (max 35%), and fumaric acid (max 5%) with total acid activity of 66%. Reduces feed pH, inhibits pathogenic bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, and improves nutrient digestibility and growth performance.
Product Name: PRO-FOCID
Type: Feed Additive Powder - Organic Acid Blend
COMPOSITION
Each kg contains:
- Formic Acid and Its Salts ...... Max 50%
- Propionic Acid and Its Salts ...... Max 35%
- Fumaric Acid ...... Max 5%
- Total Acid Activity ...... 66%
- Carrier ...... q.s. to 100%
DESCRIPTION
PRO-FOCID is a concentrated organic acid blend combining formic acid, propionic acid, and fumaric acid in a synergistic formulation designed for feed preservation and gastrointestinal health in livestock and poultry. Organic acids have emerged as promising alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in animal production, especially following the European Union's 2006 ban on antibiotics as growth promoters [citation:8].
This product provides 66% total acid activity through a unique combination of free and buffered organic acids, delivering potent antimicrobial effects while being safe to handle and non-corrosive to equipment. The blend of formic, propionic, and fumaric acids works synergistically to lower feed pH, inhibit pathogenic bacteria, and improve nutrient digestibility [citation:1][citation:10].
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Antimicrobial Activity:
- In their undissociated form, organic acids are lipid-soluble and can penetrate bacterial cell walls [citation:8]
- Once inside the bacterial cell (pH ~7), the acid dissociates, releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺)
- The bacterial cell expends enormous energy to expel H⁺ ions, leading to ATP depletion and cell death [citation:8]
- This mechanism is particularly effective against acid-intolerant pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter [citation:1][citation:8]
Feed Preservation:
- Formic and propionic acids are widely used as feed preservatives to prevent mold and bacterial growth [citation:3]
- Propionic acid and its salts (calcium propionate) are particularly effective against molds and fungi [citation:1]
- Reduces the buffering capacity (acid-binding capacity) of feed, lowering feed pH by 1-2 points [citation:10]
Gastrointestinal Health:
- Lowers stomach pH, activating pepsinogen to pepsin and enhancing protein digestion [citation:8]
- Increases villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum, improving nutrient absorption surface area [citation:5][citation:8]
- Promotes growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) while inhibiting pathogens [citation:1][citation:8]
- Reduces cecal coliform counts and total viable counts (TVC) [citation:5][citation:8]
Fumaric Acid Specific Benefits:
- Acts as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, providing an alternative energy source [citation:4]
- Studies have shown fumaric acid improves feed utilization and enhances performance in broiler chickens [citation:4][citation:9]
INDICATIONS & BENEFITS
PRO-FOCID is indicated for feed preservation and improvement of gastrointestinal health in livestock and poultry [citation:1][citation:8].
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Growth Performance: Studies show organic acid supplementation significantly improves body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers [citation:5][citation:8]
- Pathogen Reduction: Effectively inhibits Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, and other gram-negative bacteria [citation:1][citation:8]
- Improved Gut Health: Increases villus height and crypt depth, enhances tight junction protein expression (Claudin-1, ZO-1), and strengthens intestinal barrier function [citation:5][citation:8]
- Feed Preservation: Prevents mold and bacterial contamination, extending feed shelf life [citation:3]
- Enhanced Nutrient Utilization: Improves digestibility of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals [citation:8]
- Reduced Serum Lipids: Studies show organic acid supplementation decreases serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels [citation:5][citation:8]
Target Pathogens:
- Salmonella spp. - salmonellosis prevention [citation:1][citation:8]
- Escherichia coli - colibacillosis prevention [citation:1][citation:8]
- Clostridium perfringens - necrotic enteritis prevention [citation:1]
- Campylobacter jejuni [citation:1]
- Listeria spp. [citation:1]
- Molds and Fungi - feed preservation [citation:3]
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
2024 Study on Organic Acid Blends in Broilers:
- A 2024 study published in Poultry Science evaluated the effects of organic acid blends (Acidapure) containing formic, acetic, propionic, lactic, and citric acids on broiler chickens [citation:8].
- Results showed that supplementation with organic acid blends significantly increased body weight gain and average daily gain while reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR) [citation:5][citation:8].
- Villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum were significantly increased, improving nutrient absorption capacity [citation:5][citation:8].
- Gene expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1 and ZO-1) was upregulated, indicating improved intestinal barrier function [citation:5][citation:8].
- Cecal coliform counts and total viable counts were reduced, while serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased [citation:5][citation:8].
Formic and Propionic Acid Research:
- A 2013 study found that 0.2% formic and propionic acid supplementation significantly improved crude protein digestibility in finishing broilers [citation:4].
- Garcia et al. (2007) reported that 5000-10,000 ppm formic acid significantly improved dry matter and crude protein digestibility in finishing broilers [citation:4].
- Formic and propionic acid blends have been shown to reduce Salmonella colonization in poultry [citation:2][citation:9].
Fumaric Acid Efficacy:
- Research by Ghazalah et al. (2011) demonstrated that 0.5-1.5% fumaric acid supplementation significantly improved nitrogen and energy digestibility in finishing broilers [citation:4].
- Fumaric acid has been shown to enhance feed utilization and improve broiler performance [citation:9].
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
PRO-FOCID is administered by mixing thoroughly into the complete feed. The dosage should be adjusted according to feed moisture content, storage conditions, and microbial load.
Recommended Dosage:
- Poultry (Broilers, Layers, Breeders, Turkeys): 1 - 3 kg per ton of feed [citation:1]
- Swine (Piglets, Growers, Sows): 2 - 5 kg per ton of feed [citation:1]
- Cattle (Dairy, Beef): 1 - 3 kg per ton of concentrate feed
- High Moisture Feed: Increase dosage to 3 - 5 kg per ton of feed for feed preservation [citation:7]
Administration Guidelines:
- Ensure uniform mixing in feed using a gradual dilution process (premix with small amount of feed before incorporating into final mix)
- For optimal results, use continuously throughout the production cycle [citation:5][citation:8]
- The product lowers feed pH by 1-2 points, enhancing antimicrobial activity [citation:10]
- Stable during feed processing including pelleting
- Compatible with most feed ingredients, vitamins, and minerals
CONTRAINDICATIONS & PRECAUTIONS
- Not for direct administration to animals; must be thoroughly mixed with feed
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes; use protective equipment (gloves, goggles) when handling
- Do not exceed recommended dosage without veterinary consultation
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if overdosed
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
- Use within 24 months of manufacturing date when stored properly
WITHDRAWAL PERIOD
- Meat (Poultry, Swine, Cattle): Zero days - no withdrawal period required
- Eggs: Zero days - no withdrawal period required
- Organic acids are naturally occurring compounds and do not leave harmful residues in animal products [citation:8]
STORAGE
- Store in original unopened packaging in a cool, dry place
- Keep at temperature below 25°C (77°F)
- Protect from humidity, moisture, and direct sunlight
- Close tightly after each use to prevent moisture absorption
- Do not store near chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers
Target Species: Poultry (Broilers, Layers, Breeders, Turkeys), Swine (Piglets, Growers, Sows), Cattle (Dairy, Beef)
Pack Sizes: 25 Kg multi-layer paper bags with inner polyethylene liner
PRODUCT SUMMARY
PRO-FOCID Powder Feed Additive Formic acid and its salts max 50%, Propionic acid and its salt max 35%, Fumaric acid max 5% (Total Acid Activity 66%) Livestock 25 Kg
FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY