Ammonium Propionate as an Acidifier – Effective Bacterial Inhibition in Poultry Feed

Ammonium Propionate, a salt derived from propionic acid and ammonia, is widely used in poultry feed as a functional acidifier and anti-bacterial agent. Its primary role is to control microbial growth, particularly pathogenic bacteria and mold, thereby improving feed safety, extending shelf life, and promoting animal health.

✅ Why Use Ammonium Propionate in Poultry Feed?

In modern poultry production, maintaining feed hygiene is essential. High temperatures, humidity, and extended storage time can lead to bacterial proliferation in feed, including Salmonella, E. coli, and mold. This contamination not only degrades feed quality but also poses serious risks to animal health and productivity.

Ammonium Propionate addresses these issues by lowering feed pH and disrupting microbial activity at the cellular level.

🔬 Mechanism of Action

As an acidifier, Ammonium Propionate:

• Lowers the pH of feed and digestive tract, creating an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria.

• Penetrates bacterial cells in the form of undissociated acid, disturbing intracellular pH and metabolic activity.

• Inhibits mold growth by blocking fungal metabolism, particularly in high-moisture or high-protein feeds.

This dual action against both bacteria and fungi makes it an ideal preservative in poultry diets.

🐔 Key Benefits in Poultry Nutrition

1. Controls Bacterial Growth
   Inhibits harmful microbes in feed such as Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and E. coli.

2. Enhances Feed Safety
   Prevents nutrient degradation, ensuring consistent nutritional value throughout storage.

3. Improves Animal Performance
   Reduces the risk of gut infections, supporting better weight gain, feed conversion, and immune response.

4. Non-Corrosive and Safe to Handle
   Compared to free acids, Ammonium Propionate is safer to use in feed mills and does not damage machinery.

5. Supports Antibiotic-Free Production
   Helps maintain gut health in antibiotic-free or reduced-antibiotic poultry programs.

⚙️ Application & Dosage

Recommended Dosage in Poultry Feed:
0.5 – 1.5 kg per metric ton of feed (depending on feed moisture, ambient temperature, and storage conditions)

Application Forms:

• Direct addition to feed mix

• Pre-mix with other acidifiers or mold inhibitors

• Coated or microencapsulated forms for enhanced stability

🧪 Product Specification (Feed Grade)

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules

• Purity: ≥ 98%

• pH (1% solution): 6.5 – 8.5

• Solubility: Fully soluble in water

• Shelf Life: 24 months in dry, sealed packaging

🌍 Widely Accepted in Global Markets

Ammonium Propionate is approved and accepted in many countries as a safe and effective feed preservative and acidifier for poultry. It complies with international feed safety regulations and is suitable for use in both conventional and organic farming systems.

🏭 Choose Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited

As a trusted supplier of feed additives, Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited offers high-quality Ammonium Propionate with:

• Reliable purity and consistency

• Competitive pricing and flexible packaging

• OEM and private label services

• Fast global shipping and technical support

📦 Packaging & Supply

• Packaging: 25kg kraft paper bags with PE liner

• MOQ: 1 ton

• Lead Time: 7–10 working days

• Free Sample: Available upon request

📞 Contact Us

For technical datasheets (TDS), regulatory support, or to request a quotation, contact our expert sales team today. Let us help you protect your poultry feed and improve your production efficiency.

TDS Ammonium propionate - feed acidifier.pdf