Protected benzoic acid: Progressive release to modulate the piglet microbiota
Since 2009, Novus International, Inc. has been producing protected benzoic acid, marketed under the name Provenia Feed Solution. The action of the intestinal lipases on the protection matrix ensures the gradual release of benzoic acid through all sections of the intestinal tract.
The post-weaning period is characterised by reduced feed intake and growth, intestinal dysfunction, and increased health challenges. This lag period is due to a limited digestive and absorptive capacity of piglets, as well as an immaturity of their immune system. From the business point of view post-weaning period represents poor efficiency and economical losses. Limiting thus the incidence and severity of the post-weaning related issues is essential to improve not only the efficiency of production but also the welfare of the weaned piglet.
Role of organic acids on piglet development and gut health
Organic acids are one of the most used groups of feed additives in pig nutrition. Based on their acidifying properties, they can control pathogens and buffering capacity in the feed, efficiently reduce gastric pH and ensure a proper digestion of dietary protein. Organic acids with low pKa (e.g., formic, fumaric, etc.) were found to cover these needs of the young piglet. In addition to this mode of action, organic acids can create a positive modulation in lower parts of the intestine if they are properly released in the gut. Certain technologies (such as the microencapsulation in a lipid matrix) can modify the site of action of organic acids and enhance this activity from the stomach through the gut.
As a result, active compounds in protected feed additives must be specifically selected to be effective under weakly acidic to neutral pH values. Data from in vitro simulation of physiological conditions in the intestinal tract using the neutral pH culture broth model showed strong anti-bacterial effects for benzoic and sorbic acids on E.coli and Salmonella (Figure 1). These findings can be partly attributed to the degree of dissociation: benzoic acid has more undissociated acid molecules than does formic or fumaric acid at neutral pH. Only the undissociated acid molecule can penetrate the bacterial cell, releasing its proton ion in the cytoplasm and contributing to decrease internal pH. This is a stressful condition for pathogens bacteria that must pump out the protons in order to maintain internal homeostasis.
Figure 1 – Inhibition of E. coli and Salmonella growth by different organic acids measured under neutral pH culture broth model.
A unique, protected source of benzoic acid
Provenia Feed Solution is a unique, protected source of benzoic acid with an exclusive mode of action which aims to support piglet intestinal health. The sophisticated manufacturing technology from Gudensberg plant, Germany, in which the benzoic acid is homogenously embedded into a vegetable fat matrix, results in uniform granules and ensures protection of the active ingredient throughout the stomach until it reaches the intestinal tract. Besides this fact, we cannot forget other advantages provided by this protection technology such as:
- Increased stability and reduced interaction with other dietary molecules (i.e., choline) or environmental agents (i.e., light, heat, oxidation, moisture).
- Reduction of smell and improved palatability.
- Reduction of dustiness.
- Lack of corrosion and irritability, improving handling and safety in feed mill operators.
- Allowing for a lower rate of inclusion in the formula.
Supporting piglet’s gut health for lifetime performance
In one study conducted at the University of Belgrade (Serbia), Provenia Feed Solution improved the overall feed efficiency in piglets by 5%. The gut integrity of the piglets was also improved as shown by the increase of villi-crypt ratio throughout the small intestine and by the higher lactobacilli-E. coli ratio in jejunum, ileum and caecum (Figure 2). These findings are aligned with those from research conducted in collaboration with the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) and the University of Bologna (Italy), where the effect of the protected source of benzoic acid on the microbial profile of piglets was studied using metagenomics techniques in comparison with pharmacological doses of ZnO. The product induced an increase in alpha diversity (parameter associated with a proper modulation of the intestinal microflora), and a proliferation of certain bacterial genera such as Ruminococcus, Prevotella and Fibrobacter, all involved in the degradation of dietary fibre and the improvement in the feed efficiency.
Figure 2- Villi/crypt and Lactobacilli-E. coli ratios, as indicators of gut health of piglets supplemented with Provenia Feed Solution.
Why organic acid source matters
In conclusion, the nursery stage can contribute to gastro-intestinal and growth challenges, causing significant economic losses for the pig producer. Unlike free organic acids, the protected benzoic acid in Provenia Feed Solution is not degraded in the stomach. The protection within a lipid matrix guarantees its stability in the feed ensures a gradual release of benzoic acid in all compartments of the digestive tract.
Studies indicate that the product increased piglets’ feed efficiency, promoting a proper modulation of gut microbiota and reduced incidence of diarrhoea, which can result in higher profitability for swine operations thanks to fewer pharmaceutical interventions and lower piglet mortality.
References available upon request.
Author: Roberto Barea, PhD, technical service manager, swine, South Europe, Novus
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