Organic acids for broilers: Effects on intestinal morphology and growth performance

Abstract

Background: Recommendations for the application of organic acids blend and ammonium salts 29 in drinking water are needed to optimize productivity in broiler chickens. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the acidification of drinking water on the productive performance, blood and intestinal 31 pH, and intestinal morphology. Methods: 1,400 broiler chicks between the ages of 1- and 42-days- 32 old were used to evaluate two pH levels (4 and 6) in drinking water between three periods (1-21, 33 1-28 and 1-42 days of age) of treatments in water with a blend of formic acid 31%, propionic acid 34 19%, and their salts ammonium formate 26%, and ammonium propionate 6% compared to control 35 (pH 8). Results: Groups that consume water pH 6 (0.038 moles) continuously for 42 days improved 36 vs the control (p≤0.01) live weight (2.785 vs 2.691 kg) and feed conversion ratio (1.430 vs 1.463 37 kg/kg), as well as increased numbers of intestinal villi (59.0 vs 55.7), blood and intestinal pH 38 reduced vs control (7.75 vs 7.89; 6.32 vs 6.41). Conclusion: The blend of formic and propionic 39 acids and their ammonium salts in drinking water at pH 6 during the complete production cycle 40 improved production parameters in 42-day-old broilers and it increased the number of intestinal 41 villi and a reduction in blood, duodenum and ileum pH.