Uses. The principal use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. When sprayed on fresh hay or other silage, it arrests certain decay processes and causes the feed to retain its nutritive value longer, and so it is widely used to preserve winter feed for cattle.

Is formic acid good for plants?

All additives improved AID of nutrients. ... It was concluded that the diets with 5,000 and 10,000 ppm of formic acid, and with 200 ppm of plant extract based on a blend of oregano, cinnamon, and pepper essential oils were similar to avilamycin and were beneficial for improving growth traits and nutrient AID.

What does formic acid do to insects?

Formic acid is a substance produced by some ants for defense, trail marking, and recruitment. Some animals are known to rub ants or other arthropods on parts of their plumage or fur to anoint themselves with released substances.