The value of potassium diformate in poultry farming:

Significant antibacterial effect (reducing Escherichia coli by more than 30%), improving feed conversion rate by 5-8%, replacing antibiotics to reduce diarrhea rate by 42%. The weight gain of broiler chickens is 80-120 grams per chicken, the egg production rate of laying hens is increased by 2-3%, and the comprehensive benefits are increased by 8% -12%, which is a key breakthrough in green farming.

Potassium diformate, as a new type of feed additive, has shown significant application value in the field of poultry farming in recent years. Its unique antibacterial, growth promoting, and intestinal health improving mechanisms provide a new solution for healthy poultry farming.

1、 Physical and chemical properties and functional basis of potassium diformate

Potassium diformate is a crystalline compound formed by the combination of formic acid and potassium diformate in a 1:1 molar ratio, with the molecular formula CHKO ₂. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is easily soluble in water. This organic acid salt remains stable in acidic environments, but can dissociate and release formic acid and potassium diformate in neutral or weakly alkaline environments (such as poultry intestines). Its unique value lies in the fact that formic acid is the short chain fatty acid with the strongest antibacterial activity among known organic acids, while potassium ions can supplement electrolytes, and the two work together.

The antibacterial effect of potassium diformate is mainly achieved through three pathways:

The dissociated formic acid molecules can penetrate bacterial cell membranes, reduce intracellular pH, and interfere with microbial enzyme systems and nutrient transport;
Unresolved formic acid enters bacterial cells and decomposes into H ⁺ and HCOO ⁻, disrupting the structure of bacterial nucleic acids, particularly exhibiting significant inhibitory effects on Gram negative bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

Research has shown that adding 0.6% potassium formate can reduce the number of Escherichia coli in the cecum of broiler chickens by more than 30%;

By inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria, indirectly promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, and improving the balance of intestinal microbiota.

2、 The core mechanism of action in poultry farming
1. Efficient antibacterial properties, reducing pathogen burden

The antibacterial effect of potassium diformate is mainly achieved through three pathways:
The dissociated formic acid molecules can penetrate bacterial cell membranes, reduce intracellular pH, and interfere with microbial enzyme systems and nutrient transport;
Unresolved formic acid enters bacterial cells and decomposes into H ⁺ and HCOO ⁻, disrupting the structure of bacterial nucleic acids, particularly exhibiting significant inhibitory effects on Gram negative bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Research has shown that adding 0.6% potassium diformate can reduce the number of Escherichia coli in the cecum of broiler chickens by more than 30%;
By inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria, indirectly promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, and improving the balance of intestinal microbiota.

2. Enhance digestive function and improve feed utilization efficiency

Reduce the pH value of the gastrointestinal tract, activate pepsinogen, and promote protein breakdown;
Stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes in the pancreas, improve the digestion rate of starch and fat. Experimental data shows that adding 0.5% potassium diformate to broiler feed can increase feed conversion rate by 5-8%;

Protect the intestinal villus structure and increase the absorption surface area of the small intestine. Electron microscopy observation revealed that the villus height of the jejunum in broiler chickens treated with potassium formate increased by 15% -20% compared to the control group.

Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (2019). It reduces the incidence of diarrhea through multiple mechanisms. In a 35 day old white feathered broiler experiment, the addition of 0.8% potassium diformate reduced the diarrhea rate by 42% compared to the blank group, and the effect was similar to that of the antibiotic group.
3、 Application benefits in actual production

1. Performance in broiler farming
Growth performance: At 42 days of age, the average weight gain for slaughter is 80-120 grams, and the uniformity is improved by 5 percentage points;

Meat quality improvement: reduces chest muscle drip loss and extends shelf life. This may be related to its reduction of oxidative stress, with serum MDA levels decreasing by 25%;

Economic benefits: Calculated based on current feed prices, each chicken can increase net income by 0.3-0.5 yuan.
2. Application in Egg Chicken Production
The egg production rate is increased by 2-3%, especially for laying hens after the peak period;

Improvement in eggshell quality, with a 0.5-1 percentage point decrease in egg breakage rate, due to an increase in calcium absorption efficiency;

Significantly reduce the concentration of ammonia in feces (30% -40%) and improve the indoor environment.

The incidence of chicken navel inflammation decreased, and the 7-day-old survival rate increased by 1.5-2%.

4、 Scientific usage plan and precautions
1. Recommended addition amount

Broiler: 0.5% -1.2% (high in the early stage, low in the later stage);
Egg laying hens: 0.3% -0.6%;
Drinking water additives: 0.1% -0.2% (to be used in conjunction with acidifiers).

2. Compatibility skills
The synergistic use with probiotics and plant essential oils can enhance the effect;
Avoid direct mixing with alkaline substances (such as baking soda);
The amount of copper added to high copper diets should be increased by 10% -15%.

3. Key points of quality control
Select products with a purity of ≥ 98%, and the impurity (such as heavy metals) content must comply with the GB/T 27985 standard;
Store in a cool and dry place, use as soon as possible after opening;
Pay attention to the balance of calcium sources in feed, as excessive intake may affect mineral absorption.

5、 Future Development Trends
With the development of precision nutrition technology, slow-release formulations and microencapsulated products of potassium diformate will become the research and development direction. Under the trend of reducing antibiotic resistance in poultry farming, the combination of functional oligosaccharides and enzyme preparations will further improve the production efficiency of poultry. It is worth noting that the latest research by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2024 found that potassium formate may enhance intestinal immunity by regulating the TLR4/NF - κ B signaling pathway, providing new theoretical basis for its functional development.

Practice has shown that the rational use of potassium diformate can increase the comprehensive benefits of poultry farming by 8% -12%, but its effectiveness is affected by factors such as feeding management and basic diet composition.

Farmers should conduct gradient experiments based on their own conditions to find the best application plan and fully utilize the economic and ecological value of this green additive.