Good drinking water is one of the quietest but most important links in animal health. Water is consumed every day, by every animal, and has a direct impact on digestion, resistance and performance.
That is why more and more livestock farmers are choosing to acidify their drinking water. But what exactly does acidification do, and why are there so many different types of acids?
We are happy to explain it in a practical and clear manner.
Why acidify drinking water?
By slightly acidifying drinking water:
- the water remains fresher and more stable
- undesirable bacteria have less opportunity
- digestion is supported
- animals often consume water and food more readily
Especially in young animals, around weaning times, in warm weather or when digestion is under pressure, acidification can make a clear difference in the barn.
Not all acids are the same.
When we talk about "acids", we are referring to substances that lower the pH of drinking water. This can be achieved in various ways, and each type of acid has its own characteristics.
For livestock farmers, the following is particularly important:
👉 How safe is it?
👉 What does it do for my animals?
👉 How does it fit into my business?
Acidifying drinking water
More palatable drinking water, healthier animals
Organic acids: gentle, safe and functional
Organic acids also occur naturally, for example in fruit, milk or fermented products. They are popular in livestock farming because they do more than just lower the pH.
What do you notice in the stable?
- Supporting gut health
- Less pressure from bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella
- Better digestion and feed utilisation
- Often safer for pipes and drinking systems
That is why organic acids are the basis of many modern drinking water solutions today.
From mild to strong: why combinations work
There are various types of organic acids. In practice, they are often cleverly combined, as each type has its own strengths:
- Some acids mainly affect water hygiene.
- Others provide stronger support for the intestinal wall.
- Helping others with weaning diarrhoea or wet litter
By combining these, you achieve a broader and more stable effect, without being aggressive to animals or equipment. That is precisely where modern acid products make the difference.
What about stronger (inorganic) acids?
There are also acids that are primarily intended to quickly and powerfully lower the pH. They do what they are supposed to do, but:
- they do not have any additional gut-supporting effect
- they are less forgiving in use
- they are calling for greater attention to safety and pipelines
That is why they are now mostly used in specific situations, or as part of a balanced mixture.
Buffered acids: control and certainty
Many solutions are buffered nowadays. Put simply, this means that the acid is 'slowed down' so that:
- it is safer to dose
- it is less aggressive on pipes
- it works more stably in water
- it gradually releases its effect in the animal
For many livestock farmers, buffered (organic) acids are therefore the most convenient choice.
Which solution is right for your business?
There is no universal solution. The right choice depends on:
- water quality (hard or soft water)
- animal species and age
- purpose: prevention, support or correction
- management and feeding system
Choose the right solution according to the goal you want to achieve in your stable.
Objective: to improve water quality
Mild (organic) acids are recommended here.
Objective: additional support around weaning
Acids combined with gut-active components – a winning combination.
Objective: to support gut health
Combinations of organic acids work best
Objective: safe and long-term use
Buffered solutions offer an ideal solution here.
Indufarm thinks along with you, from water to animal
At Indufarm, we don't just look at the product, but at the whole picture:
- water analysis
- practical dosage
- tailored guidance
- solutions that fit into your daily operations
This way, we can work together to ensure healthy animals, stable performance and fewer surprises in the barn.
👉 Not sure which approach is best for your business?
Our advisers are happy to assist you.
Together for better farming.
