strong gut wall integrity support, anti-inflammatory effects and resulting positive effects on the performance of various types of livestock. In the following section, we highlight the distinct added value of a less well-known organic acid, capro- ic acid (C6), a relatively short MCFA. At the moment the use of caproic acid (C6) in animal feed is still rare because of traditional high pricing and limited availability (a mere 0.3% in palm kernel- and coconut oil). How ever, it is an excellent antimicrobial agent and can fur- thermore support the gut health of various types of livestock. Caproic has proven to be exceptionally effective against Salmonellae, E. coli, and various other pathogens, in particular gram-negative bacteria. Results of an in vitro study by the Central Laboratory for Poultry in the Netherlands (CLVP, now


part of the Animal Health Group) comparing caproic acid to various other SCFA and MCFA are presented in Graph 2. In ad- dition, the MCFA (C6-C12) have proven to be effective as anti- viral agents as well, by causing leakage or total disintegration of the viral envelope.


Conclusion Are you experiencing a supply migraine when it comes to short and medium chain fatty acids? Or looking for better availability of a promising MCFA additive? A stable, sustain- able supply of effective acids appears more important than ever with continuing strong demand and existing suppliers that cannot keep up. We encourage all sourcing professionals to transition towards a headache-free, circular future.


Figure 2 – In vitro effect of various MCFA on selected bacteria


16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0


13 10 9 9 9 10 10 9


E. Coli Salmonella S. Aureus


ChainCraft has developed a fer- mentation tech- nology for con- verting local organic waste streams into SCFA and MCFA.


0


0


0 0


0 0


0 0


0 0


0 0 0


0 0 0


MCFA at 1:20 dilution, ranked by ascending chain length (#carbon atoms) ▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 30, No. 5, 2022 31


Inhibition zone (mm)


Butyric acid (C4)


Valeric acid (C5)


Caproic acid (C6)


Caprylic/Capric acid (C8/C10 mix)


Heptanoic acid (C7)


Caprylic acid (C8)


Lauric acid (C12)


Myristic acid (C14)


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36