Effect of dietary inclusion of organic acids and their salts on feed digestibility and utilization efficiency in broiler chickens

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of organic acids and their salts in broiler diets on feed intake, digestibility, and utilization efficiency. The experiment was carried out on Cobb-500 broilers during a 42-day growing period. Four groups of 100 birds were formed: a control group fed a basal diet and three experimental groups supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kg/t of a blend of organic acids and their salts. Birds were reared on litter under identical microclimatic and lighting conditions according to the «Cobb Broiler Management Guide». Feed intake, body-weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored weekly. It was found that inclusion of 1.0–2.0 kg/t of organic acids significantly increased both daily and total feed intake by 3.4–3.5 % compared to the control, most notably during the 8–14- and 29–35-day periods corresponding to maximal growth intensity. Feed conversion efficiency improved in the 15–28-day phase, with FCR reduced by 5.1–5.6 % and averaged 1.52 kg/kg in experimental groups versus 1.54 kg/kg in control. Improved utilization efficiency is attributed to a better gastrointestinal environment, lower pH enhancing digestive enzyme activity (pepsin, trypsin, lipase), and a favorable balance of intestinal microbiota with stimulated Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations and suppressed pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella spp.). Organic acids also celebrate minerals, improve bioavailability of Ca and P, and supply energy to enterocytes. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1.0–2.0 kg/t of organic acids and their salts improve feed digestibility, nutrient absorption, and growth performance of broilers without increasing feed costs. These additives can be considered an effective and safe alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in industrial poultry production, contributing to enhanced productivity, animal welfare, and ecological safety.