The present invention pertains to the use for preventing or treating intestinal infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in animals of an antibacterial compound selected from lactylate in accordance with Formula (1), Formula (1) R2 -COO- [ -CH(CH3) -C00]n-R1 or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof, a glycosylate of Formula (2), Formula (2): R2-C00-(-CH2-C00) n-R1 or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or C(II) salt thereof, a lactate ester of Formula (3), Formula (3): HO-CH ( CH3) -C00-R2 and/or a glycolic acid ester of Formula (4), Formula (4): HO-CH2-COO-R2 wherein R1 is selected from H, n stands for an integer with a value of 1-10, and R2 stands for a C1-C35 alkyl or alkenyl chain which may be branched or unbranched. The compound, which preferably is a lactylate or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4 or Cu(II) salt thereof, is particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of clostridia. An animal nutrition composition and a method for preventing or treating infections are also claimed.
