Adding organic acids (fumaric, propionic, citric) to nursery diets has been shown to improve daily gain and feed conversion responses during the early nursery period.
Dietary acid inclusion may be particularly beneficial when there is a problem with E. coli in the nursery. Acidic conditions in the stomach and intestinal tract from organic acid inclusion are not conducive to E. coli growth.
Acids can also be used as a preservative for high-moisture grain (stored grain and final diet mixture), where the acid acts as a mold-growth inhibitor. Acids frequently used are acetic, fumaric, propionic, and their salts. It is important to remember that these acids may be somewhat dangerous to handle and caustic to metal equipment and flooring.