GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, AND BLOOD PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED A DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH ORGANIC ACIDS

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of organic acids (formic, acetic, and citric) on broiler chickens’ growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, blood parameters, bacterial count, antioxidant status, immune response, and economic efficiency. Two hundred and ten unsexed (Cobb 500) day-old chicks were randomly divided into seven groups, each with five replicates of six birds. The first group was used as the control for comparison purposes. Birds in groups 2 and 3 were fed a diet containing formic acid (0.5% and 1.0%), while birds in groups 4 and 5 were fed a diet containing acetic acid (0.5% and 1.0%). Birds in groups 6 and 7 were fed a diet containing citric acid (2.0% and 3.0%). Weekly weighing, feed consumption recording, and calculation of growth parameters were recorded. Additionally, biochemical, hematological, and immune parameters were analyzed, along with evaluating the microbial activity of the digestive system. Enhanced growth parameters, including final weight and body weight gain, were noted with formic, acetic, and citric acid supplementation, along with improved feed conversion ratios. Dressing percentage was increased, while abdominal fat was decreased with all supplementation groups. Hematological analysis revealed improved blood parameters, albeit with reduced red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, in chickens supplemented with acetic and citric acid. Lipid and protein profiles were positively influenced, with lowered serum lipids and increased protein levels. Additionally, antioxidant and immunological status were enhanced, characterized by heightened antioxidant enzyme activity and immune responses. Moreover, supplementation led to favorable shifts in the gut microbiota, with increased Lactobacillus levels and decreased bacterial counts, including Escherichia coli and Proteus. In conclusion, incorporating organic acids as alternatives to antibiotics in broiler chicken diets significantly improves production performance and enhances economic efficiency while maintaining optimal health.