The present invention pertains to the use of a lactylate of formula 1, or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II)., Zn, NH 4 , or Cu(II) salt thereof, for preventing or treating infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in animals, wherein in formula 1 R1 stands for H or CH(CH 3 )-COOH and R2 stands for a C1-C35 alkyl or alkenyl chain which may be branched or unbranched, and n is an integer in the range of 1-10. €ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ Formula 1€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒR2-(CO-CH(CH 3 )-CO-) n O-R1 The compound 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.
