Lactic Acid & Lactates Feed Grade Supplier South Africa

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). It is the primary organic acid produced in well-fermented silage and fermented feeds, providing characteristic preservation and palatability. For feed additive applications, lactic acid is supplied as an 80% or 88% aqueous solution or in salt forms (sodium lactate, calcium lactate) as white crystalline powders that provide the same acidification and antimicrobial benefits in solid feed applications.

Role in Animal Nutrition

Lactic acid is recognised as a safe and effective feed acidifier for poultry and swine, contributing to pH reduction in the crop, proventriculus, and proximal small intestine. Its antimicrobial activity targets Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli in the feed and gastrointestinal tract. In silage, lactic acid fermentation is the desired outcome of good fermentation, providing preservation and energy to ruminants. In pet food, sodium and calcium lactate provide mild preservation with flavour-neutral profiles that improve palatability.

Supply & Packaging

Terracore Chemicals supplies feed-grade Lactic Acid (80% and 88% liquid) and lactate salts (sodium, calcium) in 25 kg bags and drums across South Africa. Full CoA, safety data sheets, and application guidance for feed acidification and silage additive formulation are provided.