The gastrointestinal tract also contains a very complex ecosystem, the microflora. This intestinal microflora is only established after birth in man and animals and after hatching in poultry. The activities of the microflora have an important impact upon animal health and performance. This gives opportunities to positively influence animal heath, welfare and performance through the microflora. For many years feed-antibiotics have been first choice in achieving this goal.
Probiotics are a possible alternative to antibiotics but lack adequate in vivo performance.
In future there must be more attention paid to the fundamental relation between nutrition and animal health. Modern nutritional solutions need to provide the environment to strengthen and stabilise the natural individual gut microflora in order to optimise health and immunity of the individual animal. Possible interactions with raw material or other additives need to be investigated and taken into consideration. Based on recent results it can be concluded, that it is possible to stimulate the natural individual intestinal flora by supplementing feed with an innovative natural acidifier.