Antibacterial Agent

Benzoic acid, due to its highly lipophilic molecular structure, can interfere with the bacterial cell membrane structure or enter the cell to inhibit bacterial growth, showing a wide range of antibacterial effects. In 2003, Europe allowed the addition of no more than 1% benzoic acid as an acidifier in pig feed, and further approved its use in broiler and laying hen feed in 2018. However, benzoic acid is poorly water-soluble and has a formaldehyde odor, which may affect the animal's feed intake.

Potassium diformate, as an EU-approved feed additive to replace antibiotics, has been allowed to be used in pig feed since 2001, and was further approved for use in sow feed in 2005. In 2005, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China also approved the use of potassium diformate in pig feed. As a non-antibiotic feed additive, potassium diformate has the advantages of being green, residue-free, low corrosive, and low irritant. Slowly released in the animal digestive tract, it can not only play the role of formic acid, but also utilize the characteristics of potassium formate to effectively regulate the pH value of the animal gastrointestinal tract, improve intestinal flora, and promote the digestion and absorption of nutrients.