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, R2-COO—[—CH(CH3)—COO]n—R1   Formula 1 or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof, a glycolylate of formula 2, R2-COO—[—CH2-COO]n-R1   Formula 2 or a Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe(II), Zn, NH4, or Cu(II) salt thereof, a lactate ester of formula 3, HO—CH(CH3)—COO—R2   Formula 3 and/or a glycolic acid ester of formula 4, HO—CH2—COO—R2   Formula 4 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.