One of the major breakthroughs in the history of medicine is undoubtedly the discovery of antibiotics. Their use in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine has resulted in healthier and more productive farm animals, ensuring the welfare and health of both animals and humans. Nowadays, the infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are increasing and resistance to antibiotics has become a major problem. More specifically, the use and misuse of antibiotics in farm animal settings as growth promoters, or as nonspecific means of infection prevention and treatment, has boosted antibiotic consumption and resistance among bacteria in the animal habitat. As of January 1, 2006 a general ban has been in effect within the European Union against all Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs).

The greater challenge in modern animal production is the improvement of overall animal health and performance with the use of non-antibiotic feed additives alternatives, one of which is α-monoglycerides.

Alpha-monoglycerides are a class of glycerides that are composed of a fatty acid linked to the sn1-position of glycerol via an ester bond and are known for their strong antimicrobial effects.

Depending on the chain length of the fatty acid, different α-monoglycerides can be produced. A distinction can be made between α-monoglycerides of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and α-monoglycerides of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which have different characteristics.

Alpha-monoglycerides of SCFA such as α-monopropionin and α-monobutyrin, the α-monoglycerides of propionic acid and butyric acid respectively, are mainly active against gram negative bacteria.

In contrast, α-monoglycerides of MCFA like α-monocaprylin, α-monocaprin and α-monolaurin are more efficient against gram positive bacteria.

Multiple studies have been conducted which prove the antibacterial effect of α-monoglycerides in vitro and in vivo. In addition, scientific literature is suggesting α-monoglycerides of MCFA, and more particularly α-monolaurin, have antiviral properties.