Propionic Acid Feed Grade Supplier South Africa

What is Propionic Acid?

Propionic acid is a short-chain saturated carboxylic acid produced naturally in the rumen and by fermentation. It is the most effective single organic acid for prevention of mould growth and mycotoxin formation in feed and grain due to its high fungicidal activity against Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium species. For feed applications, propionic acid is typically used in pure form for grain treatment or in buffered, ammoniated, or salt (calcium propionate) forms for compound feed to reduce corrosivity and improve handling.

Role in Animal Nutrition

In grain preservation, propionic acid applied at 0.5–1.5% effectively prevents mould growth and mycotoxin formation in high-moisture grains (22–30% moisture) that cannot be safely dried for storage. This is critical in South Africa where high grain moisture at harvest and humid storage conditions create significant aflatoxin and fumonisin risk. In compound feed, propionic acid blends prevent mould growth during storage and pelleting. In dairy TMR, aerobic stability treatment with propionate-based products reduces feed heating and dry matter losses, directly improving dairy cow performance.

Supply & Packaging

Terracore Chemicals supplies feed-grade Propionic Acid in 30 kg jerricans, 200 kg drums, and IBC totes across South Africa. We also supply buffered propionic acid blends and ammonium propionate solutions for safer handling in grain and compound feed applications. Full MSDS, SANS compliance documentation, and technical application guidance are provided.