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The acidification of the stomach serves as the first natural line of defense against bacterial contamination in the gut. This function is particularly crucial for piglets and chicks, as their ability to produce gastric acids is limited in early life. A well-acidified stomach not only helps with digestion through activaction of pepsinogen enzyme and solubilisation of minerals but also prevents pathogenic bacteria from reaching the intestines, reducing the risk of infections and improving overall gut health. To support this process, various organic and inorganic acids are commonly incorporated into animal feed. Formic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, and lactic acid are among the most widely used acidifiers. These acids effectively lower the pH in the stomach, creating an environment that inhibits harmful bacteria while enhancing nutrient absorption. However, their application is not without challenges. When used at inclusion rates of 10 to 15 kg per ton of feed, these acids often exhibit strong odors and corrosive properties, making handling and storage difficult for feed manufacturers. In certain situations, such as when formulating premixes, manufacturers seek non-corrosive alternatives to achieve stomach acidification. This need has led to the adoption of an indirect acidification strategy, which focuses on lowering the Acid Binding Capacity (ABC) of the diet rather than directly introducing acids. By reducing the ABC of feed, it becomes easier for the piglet or chick’s natural gastric acid secretion to maintain an optimal pH, without the drawbacks associated with traditional acidifiers. The Role of Acid Binding Capacity in Feed Acidification Acid Binding Capacity (ABC) measures the buffering effect of a diet—essentially, the amount of acid required to lower its pH to a target level. Ingredients with high ABC values require more acid to achieve the same pH reduction, placing a greater burden on the animal’s digestive system and necessitating

As the global demand for sustainable and natural agricultural practices intensifies, the use of plants in animal nutrition is emerging as a promising solution to reduce reliance on synthetic additives. Plants serve numerous purposes in animal nutrition. The polyphenols and their role as antioxidants is already well know. Grape seed extract and trans-anethole reduce oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant capacity, supporting overall health. To modulate the immune system, Astragalus roots stimulates immune function and resilience, while Echinacea boosts the immune response against pathogens. Gut health can also be significantly improved through garlic, which balances gut microbiota, and oregano, which provides antimicrobial properties to enhance gut integrity. In aquaculture, plants provide specific benefits, such as spirulina, which enhances pigmentation and immune function, and kelp, which supplies essential minerals and polysaccharides for stress resilience and growth. But in this month Nutricle, I would like to have a specific approach on the plants recommended for promoting feed intake and growth performance. For Piglets, Broilers, and Fish Fenugreek stimulates appetite through bioactive compounds like saponins and alkaloids, enhancing feed palatability and promoting digestive enzyme secretion. Curcuma acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, promoting better feed utilization and growth. Ginger improves gut health and enhances enzymatic activity, boosting growth rates. For Sows and Layers Fenugreek stimulates appetite and supports lactation by promoting milk yield and improving nutrient availability, making it particularly valuable for enhancing sow productivity. Maca enhances reproductive performance and hormonal balance, improving recovery post-farrowing and supporting egg production in layers. Ginseng strengthens metabolic energy and immunity, contributing to productivity and resilience. For Shrimps Curcuma acts as an antimicrobial and antioxidant, reducing disease incidence and improving feed efficiency. Fenugreek, due to its high saponin content, helps reduce toxic ammonia levels while enhancing appetite and digestive efficiency. Similarly, Yucca, also rich in saponins, improves water