The Quartet of Sour: In the silence, thus have I heard.

——NIC 2025 Annual Research Highlights · Paying Tribute to the Acid Signals Heard in Metabolism

In the grand symphony of life, some notes never clamor.

They are present at the millimolar concentration of pH Fluctuations, hidden within asymptomatic electronic undercurrents, concealed in the fluorescent traces of late-night laboratories, and manifesting as various pulsations in living organisms—these “silent acids,” once merely synonymous with digestion, are now emerging as regulatory factors that inhibit bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and even combat disease.  2025 , acid can NIC The team continues to listen intently and capture the subtle codes—whispers of life’s rhythms—emanating from shifts in the electron clouds at the deepest currents of an organism’s metabolism.

Over the past year, the hundred-trillion-yuan livestock industry has forged ahead amid volatile raw material prices, disease outbreaks, mounting cost pressures, and the twin challenges of sustainable development. The sparks of technological innovation at the micro level are gradually coalescing into a powerful force driving industrial upgrading. True transformation often begins in unnoticed corners. 2025 At year-end, while the entire industry remained fixated on “ High yield, rapid growth, cost reduction ” When engaging in grand narratives, NIC Research teams are quietly advancing in a silent revolution. —— with “ Functional Acid Preparation ” Using this as a fulcrum, we precisely leverage four core areas of animal health—digestive regulation, targeted antibacterial action, antioxidant protection, and disease-resistant nutrition—to put our commitment into practice. “ Using acid to make animals healthier, food safer, and life better ” Our mission is to reconstruct the fundamental metabolic logic of nutritional regulation in living systems. Following the trail of nuacid Purple, let us once again listen to those vibrant sparks that have illuminated the industry’s path over the past year.

The first layer

Digestive Regulation —— Bridging the nutritional and digestive knowledge gap during infancy

 

 

As the industry increasingly focuses on gut health, NIC The team, through the “Feed Acidifying Capacity Database ( NIC2025 )》 and other series of studies, which rely on extensive empirical data to regress and analyze the underlying causes: nursery piglets 40-60% Nutritional diarrhea originates from impaired digestive function in the stomach. Research points directly to the core issue: after weaning, 40% gastric chyme of piglets pH Value is greater than 4.0 , leading to the inhibition of pepsin activity 60% The above; Insufficient digestibility of plant protein during the first two weeks of rearing 60% , while the industry generally cites “ The digestibility of the raw protein exceeds 80%” The data, in fact, applies only to the growth stage. Undigested protein flows into the hindgut, where it becomes substrate for fermentation by harmful bacteria. “ breeding ground ” , form “ Indigestion - Microbiota imbalance - Worsening diarrhea ” A vicious cycle.

In response to this chronic ailment in the industry, NIC propose “ Insufficient stomach acid is not inevitable; it is a modifiable factor. ” The core argument of, research and development “ Ideal Digestive Acid ” Mode: Abandoning the traditional acidifiers’ “ Brute-force adjustment ” , following the animal’s physiological circadian rhythm, precisely restoring acid–base balance at the junction of the stomach and small intestine. Following 2024 year Nutri-acid Model 1.0 Following the attention the digestive acid selection model has drawn from the industry, 2025 This year, the team completed an in-depth model upgrade, which will “ Diet composition, feed acidifying power, animal stage, target pH value ” The four core variables are incorporated into the dynamic calculation system, enabling “ Precise acid application ” The practical translation of theoretical models into real-world applications.

The prerequisite for precise intervention is accurate measurement. NIC The Feed Ingredient Acid Capacity Database, which took five years to build and continues to be iterated. 2025 edition), has become a rare public asset in the industry: it covers over a thousand types of feed ingredients and clearly specifies that stone powder and zinc oxide (with an acid-binding capacity as high as 2428 meq/kg ) the high buffering capacity of minerals such as these, while also revealing the quantitative value of fermentation substrates and organic calcium sources in reducing acid-binding capacity. Through a nationwide… 120 Big data analysis of the buffering capacity of creep feed and nursery feed from 20 major feed companies, NIC First-time industry mapping “ Precision Acid Use Guidelines Atlas ” , for tradition “ Experience with acid ” Provide scientifically grounded benchmarks for comparison and optimization, driving an average reduction in diarrhea rates among nursery piglets. 15-35% , improved feed conversion rate 8-10% 。

Feed Acid Capacity Database ( NIC2025 ) New release! The precision acid‑use digestive system takes another step forward! (Part 1)

Feed Acid Capacity Database ( NIC2025 ) New release! The digestive system for precise acid use takes another step forward! (Part 2)

The second layer

Targeted antibacterial activity —— Reconstructing the microecological balance in the distal gut

 

 

After antibiotics are phased out of animal husbandry, the central issue of safeguarding intestinal health has been NIC The team focuses on “ The neglected distal gut ” . The coated molecular acid formulation developed by the team is like “ Precision-guided munitions ” , targeted release in the mid-to-posterior intestine via controlled-release technology efficiently inhibits pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and clostridia, while sparing commensal microbiota like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. —— Shift the antibacterial logic from “ Forced-killing operation ” Upgrade to “ Eco-governance ”。

Core product: Ai Suan Ling ®9003 As a representative of third-generation controlled-release acid preparations, it builds an intestinal protective barrier through a quadruple synergistic mechanism, and has been evaluated nationwide. 30 Empirical validation in several large-scale farms: First, direct pathogen clearance—dose-dependently reducing the numbers of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum while promoting the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria; second, restoration of the physical barrier, with significant upregulation of the jejunal mucosa. Claudin-1、 Occludin Regulates tight junction gene expression, thereby reducing intestinal permeability. 40% ; thirdly, modulating immune inflammation and suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Overactivation of inflammatory pathways, pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α Downregulation 50% , anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 Upregulated expression 60% ; Fourth, activate the antioxidant system and increase serum levels T-AOC activity 35%、 SOD activity 28% , reduce MDA Content 32%。

The systematic mechanistic explanation and empirical results enable “1 Kilograms effective ” Becoming quantifiable research outcomes: Compared to traditional antibacterial agents, Aisuanling ®9003 Dosage halved, while gut health scores improved 40% , in Thailand VIV , the Bangladesh Poultry Show and other international platforms, relying on “ Halve the dose, double the efficacy ” disruptive results, achieving 12 Cooperation intentions with aquaculture enterprises in a country.

Love Sour Spirit 9001 : A leap in the efficacy of intestinal bacteriostatic acids

nuacid Acid preparations shine brilliantly 2025 International Poultry Show

nuacid Suan Can Make an Appearance in Thailand VIV Exhibition: Global Perspective Empowering Technological Innovation

The third layer

Antioxidant Protection —— Blocking chronic inflammation of the reproductive system at its ovarian origin

 

 

NIC The team through 20 A large-scale empirical study involving ten thousand laying hens has yielded groundbreaking findings for the industry: one that combines free-radical-scavenging capabilities with… “ Antioxidant acid ” , can be achieved through Keap1-Nrf2 Signal pathways that reduce the body’s oxidative stress levels 45% , to prevent chronic inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes at its source —— corroborate “ Reproductive health is productive capacity. ” The core logic: True high productivity stems from the body’s intrinsic metabolic balance.

The team’s antioxidant research breaks with tradition. “ Exogenous supplementation of antioxidants ” limitations, deeply regulate the core pathways of the body’s endogenous antioxidant system, and achieve “ Mechanism Explanation - Application Validation ” of the closed loop. At the molecular mechanism level, a study published in the Journal of Animal Nutrition (E Xiaodi et al., 2025 ) Confirmed by cell models: compound daidzein - Fujia flavonoids (the core component of Qimei Su) can be targetedly regulated. Nrf2-Keap1 Pathway, enabling oxidative stress granules to enter cells ROS Reduced content 52% , decreased calcium ion concentration 38% , mitochondrial membrane potential increased 40% , while simultaneously raising SOD 、 CAT and the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzyme genes; when using Nrf2 Pathway inhibitor ML385 Subsequently, this protective effect completely disappears, directly locking the target site.

Comprehensive deployment across application scenarios: in 5.6 Wanyu Jingfen 6 number, 5.6 Wan Yu Jing Hong 1 In a parallel trial with laying hens, 55-60 Dietary supplementation for laying hens by week of age 200 g/t Qimei Su, achieve “ Egg production rate reverses its downward trend ” : Beijing fan 6 The group’s average egg-laying rate exceeds the industry standard. 4.64% , Jinghong 1 Number group higher than 3.8% ; egg weight increased respectively 12.1% 、 10.0% , the proportion of egg yolk increased significantly; the ovarian index rose 18% , liver and ovaries GSH-Px Activity Enhancement 42%， MDA Reduced content 35%。

For necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens ( NE ) prevention and control needs, investigate the combination of natural cinnamon essential oil with benzoic acid ( SLLEO .), tannic acid ( TA ) and lincomycin ( AB ) of the intervention effect. With A Construction of Clostridium perfringens strain NE Model, let  6  In the group experiment, growth performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant and inflammation-related indicators were assessed. The results showed that all three types of substances could alleviate NE Negative impacts, among which SLLEO It delivers optimal results, significantly increasing average daily gain in broilers, reducing feed-to-gain ratio, improving intestinal lesions and microbial balance, restoring intestinal morphology, enhancing antioxidant capacity in serum and liver, and suppressing inflammatory cytokine levels; its overall efficacy surpasses AB 、 TA . Research has confirmed that dietary supplementation with SLLEO It is prevention and control. NE An ideal strategy for ensuring farming profitability.

In the field of gout metabolism research in geese, the team established a nutritional gout model and demonstrated that quimi-some can reduce serum uric acid levels in goslings. 60% , preserving the structural integrity of liver and kidney tissues; 72 During the long-term study, the body weight of gout model geese recovered to that of the normal group. 92% , achieve “ Disease prevention + Promote growth ” Dual value.

Antioxidant Defense in Granulosa Cells: The Secret to Sustained High Production in Laying Hens?

Gout in geese: Nutritional factors that cause high uric acid levels can be reduced. 60%！ NIC Study on the Mechanism of Qimei Su in Reducing Uric Acid (First Report)

2025 Empirical Study: The Secret Link Between Gout in Geese and Microstructural Changes in the Liver and Kidneys — How Does “Qimei Su” Help Protect Hepatic and Renal Architecture via Endogenous Antioxidant Pathways to Regulate Uric Acid Metabolism?

The fourth layer

Disease-Resistant Nutrition —— Building a Nutritional Defense Line for Disease Prevention and Control

 

 

Facing blue ear disease ( PRRS ) This pig farming industry “ Intractable disease ”， NIC Team development “ Nutritional Antiviral ” New pathway: Taisu acid exerts direct antiviral activity by disrupting the viral envelope, while chaperone proteins (interfering proteins) establish a second line of defense within the cell; together, they reduce viral load. 50-70% , while simultaneously modulating the immune response and reducing the likelihood of a cytokine storm.

In the field of non-enveloped virus control, the team conducted a study titled “Antiviral Effect of Monolaurin Against Goose Astrovirus Infection in Magang Geese,” confirming that it is homologous to the taid acid technology. GML The multidimensional protective value of monoglyceride of lauric acid: it not only significantly reduces viral load in the kidneys of goslings, alleviating hepatic and renal inflammatory lesions, but also upregulates renal uric acid excretion transporters. ABCG2、GLUT9 gene expression, systematically repairing the uric acid metabolic disorder caused by viral infection and significantly reducing serum uric acid levels 60% , fundamentally alleviating visceral urate deposition, a life-threatening pathology.

Research breakthroughs have simultaneously overcome multiple technical bottlenecks: researchers have successfully established models for nutritional and viral hyperuricemia in geese and a standardized model for clostridial enteritis in broilers. In the study of necrotic enteritis in broilers, the team integrated 16S rRNA Sequencing, qPCR technology, drawing “ Gut microbiota dysbiosis - Physical barrier damage - Immune-inflammatory storm - Oxidative Stress Collapse ” A comprehensive pathological atlas, identifying multiple precision nutrition intervention targets.

Research Empowers Industry

From Technology Provider to Ecosystem Co-builder

 

 

The four major scientific breakthroughs may appear independent, but in fact they share a common origin and coexist: all stem from “ Health is an emergent property of systemic balance, not the result of opposition. ” the core belief. Over the decade, the industry shifted from firmly believing “ Strong intervention ” To start “ Trend-following regulation ”， NIC His research trajectory is a vivid illustration of this shift in understanding. At the Fujian Feed Annual Conference, NIC The “three-in-one” precision regulation strategy proposed by Chief Scientist Researcher Hu Youjun—enhancing digestion at the front end, targeting bacterial inhibition at the back end, and reducing viral load in the extended phase—has become a practical summary of this systems-thinking approach. This marks a transition for acidifiers from being mere single feed additives to becoming core components of a systematic nutritional strategy that spans formulation design, physiological regulation, and healthy livestock production.

True innovation will ultimately stand the test of industry and earn widespread industry consensus. 2025 year, NIC Complete from “ Technology provider ” to “ Ecosystem Co-builder ” Character Level-Up: 7 In [month], nuacid jointly submitted an application with multiple universities. “ An alternative to antibiotics: acidifying agents for intestinal bacteriostasis and reduction of viral load ” , in the evaluation organized by the National Swine Technology Innovation Center, from 86 stood out among the proposals and was awarded “ Reducing replacement and resistance in swine / An excellent solution for antibiotic-free farming ” The Grand Prize (tied for first place) marks the inclusion of the achievement in the national strategic technology repository. ; Industry–university–research collaboration continues to deepen, with Lanzhou University / Nanjing University of Science and Technology conducts research on the design of free radical scavengers based on acid–base electronic theory and the corresponding biological mechanisms; collaborates with the Institute of Nutrition at Sichuan Agricultural University and an animal disease research team to tackle intestinal health and antiviral technologies; partners with Guizhou University to explore antioxidant molecular mechanisms, and works with the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences to investigate how gout, clostridial enteritis, and ovarian inflammation in laying hens affect reproductive performance; conducts studies with Jiangxi Agricultural University and Foshan University on the mechanisms by which acidifiers enhance production performance; and jointly undertakes with South China Agricultural University research on targeted intestinal antibacterial strategies and on mycotoxins and their antioxidant effects, thereby genuinely building… “ Basic research - Pilot-scale translation - Industrial implementation ” High-speed channel.

At the cradle of industry thought, NIC Continuing to lead the acidulant market: Qingdao “ Wakō Forum ” Systematic exposition “ sour - bacteria - enzyme ” The synergistic double impact on gut health, Guangzhou “ Weiwei Forum ” In-depth analysis of cutting-edge antiviral mechanisms of acidifiers, unveiled at the Fujian Feed Annual Conference. “ Trinity ” Precision strategies; international expansion reaches a new height, 10 At the inaugural Vietnam Livestock Cost Reduction and Efficiency Enhancement Technology Summit held in Hanoi, a systematic approach was presented to address key challenges such as local antibiotic ban policies, reliance on raw material imports, and disease pressures. “ Acid water + Sour feed + Acidic environment ” The healthy aquaculture model marks NIC“ Going overseas ” Evolving from simple trade to the provision of region-specific solutions and the cultivation of a sustainable, healthy aquaculture ecosystem.

2025 A New Chapter Begins at the Heguang Forum: Acidifiers—The Technological Path to Achieving a “Multiplying Effect” on Piglet Gut Health

Acid preparations reduce viral diarrhea, sparking another wave of discussion on the Weiwei Forum.

Reduction-and-Substitution Anti-Acid Strategy: Boldly Striving for Leadership, Decisive Battle in the 14th Five-Year Plan Era, Stirring Up Great Momentum | Guangdong nuacid has been honored with the “Swine Reduction, Replacement, and Resistance” award. / National Award for Outstanding Solutions in Antibiotic-Free Farming

Acid Build-Up: The Cornerstone of Antibiotic-Free Farming—Technologies Ushering in a New Chapter in Vietnam’s Aquaculture Industry—nuacid’s First Vietnam Livestock Cost-Reduction and Efficiency-Improvement Technology Summit

Southeast Flower Capital is awash with spring scenery; Guangdong nuacid can assist the Fujian Provincial Feed Industry Association. 2025 The Annual Feed Conference Concluded Successfully: "How Does the Canal Remain So Clear?"—Acid Power NIC The research paper by the scientific team, “The Mechanism by Which a Daidzein Combination Effectively Increases Egg Production Rate,” has been awarded the Outstanding Paper Prize.

Acid, this ancient and simple molecule, has now become a key messenger linking nutrition, immunity, and the microbiome. —— It is quiet yet capable of cleansing the gut microbiome. “ sea ” ; Unassuming, yet capable of deeply instilling the principles of healthy farming “ root ”。

2026  As the year draws to a close, may we let go of our obsession with “quick fixes” and cultivate a deeper respect for “systemic resilience”; may we move away from a purely therapeutic mindset and embrace a more holistic understanding of life. True progress in our field is not found in thunderous press conferences, but in every fresh, vibrant egg that tumbles from beneath a laying hen’s wings, in every rosy‑cheeked piglet nudging at its mother’s teat, in every clear stream stirred by the fins of fish and shrimp, and in the countless quiet moments of daily life gently illuminated by science.

This article is dedicated to every colleague who dedicates themselves to healthy farming: the research pioneers who tirelessly work amid data, microscopes, pigsties, chicken coops, and shimmering fish ponds; the industry professionals who are rooted in the field, carefully tending to livestock, poultry, fish, and shrimp; and, above all, every consumer who chooses wholesome ingredients and trusts in scientifically sound farming practices. It is driven by the belief that “nutrition can prevent disease, and acidity can regulate health,” Making animals healthier, food safer, and life better , let us journey from the laboratory to the farm, from the fields and ponds to the dining table, becoming companions along the way.

As the New Year begins, may we continue—

In the silence, hear the future.

Congratulations on the new year, and salutations to exploration!

Written by: Hu Youjun

E Xiaodi

Zhao Xiaonan
Bin Yanfang
 

Review: Hu Wenji