Feeding organic acids enhances the barrier function against pathogenic bacteria of the piglet stomach

The effect of coarsely ground meal feed versus finely ground heat-treated pelleted feed and the addition of lactic acid and formic acid in combination on the physico-chemical properties, microbial composition and concentration of organic acids in the stomach content of piglets was investigated. A total of 60 weaned piglets were included in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in 15 randomised complete blocks. After three weeks, the pigs were put down and samples of digesta from the gastrointestinal tract were analysed for dry matter (DM), pH, organic acids and microbiological enumeration. Feeding coarsely ground meal feed increased the DM percentage, the concentration of organic acids and pH in the proximal stomach and lowered the distal stomach pH compared with finely ground heat-treated pelleted feed. However, the addition of organic acids to the diets lowered the pH in the stomach and was able to reduce the population of enterobacteria in the stomach.