Biochemistry & Physiology: Open Access
Open Access

Organic acids; Broiler chickens; Performance; Intestinal histomorphology; Serum biochemistry; Gut health; Antimicrobial; Acidification; Nutrient absorption; Poultry farming

Introduction

The broiler industry has been constantly seeking strategies to optimize the performance and health of chickens while minimizing the use of antibiotics. Organic acids have gained attention as potential alternatives due to their beneficial effects on gut health and performance in various livestock species. This article explores the effects of dietary supplementation of organic acids on broiler chicken performance, intestinal histomorphology, and serum biochemistry [ 1].The broiler chicken industry is constantly striving to enhance the performance and health of chickens while reducing the reliance on antibiotics. One potential solution that has gained significant attention is the dietary supplementation of organic acids. Organic acids, such as formic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, have shown promising effects on gut health and performance in various livestock species. This article aims to explore the impact of dietary supplementation of organic acids on broiler chicken performance, intestinal histomorphology, and serum biochemistry.

Organic acids offer several benefits that make them attractive as feed additives. These acids possess antimicrobial properties and can create an acidic environment in the gastrointestinal tract. This acidic pH inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiota. Moreover, organic acids have been found to enhance nutrient utilization, improve gut integrity, and promote beneficial bacteria, leading to improved performance in broiler chickens [2].

Performance is a crucial factor in broiler production, and organic acids have demonstrated positive effects in this regard. Several studies have reported that the inclusion of organic acids in the diet of broiler chickens can result in improved body weight gain, increased feed intake, and enhanced feed conversion ratio. The acidifying effect of organic acids contributes to better digestion and absorption of nutrients, ultimately leading to enhanced growth performance [3].

Maintaining optimal intestinal histomorphology is vital for efficient nutrient absorption and overall gut health in broiler chickens. Organic acid supplementation has been shown to positively influence the structure of the intestinal lining. It promotes the development of longer villi and deeper crypts in the small intestine, increasing the absorptive surface area. These structural changes enhance nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of intestinal disorders, ultimately contributing to improved performance.

In addition to performance and intestinal health, organic acids can have a positive impact on serum biochemistry parameters in broiler chickens. Research has shown that organic acid supplementation can lead to improvements in glucose levels, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and enzyme activities in the bloodstream. These changes indicate enhanced metabolic functions and improved overall health in broiler chickens receiving organic acid supplementation [4].

The mode of action through which organic acids exert their beneficial effects is multifaceted. By lowering the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, organic acids create an unfavorable environment for the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, organic acids have direct antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, organic acids serve as an energy source for the enterocytes present in the intestinal mucosa, promoting their proliferation and improving gut integrity.

Benefits of organic acids

Organic acids, such as formic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, have been shown to possess antimicrobial and acidifying properties. These properties can help modulate the gut microbiota, inhibit the growth of pathogens, enhance nutrient utilization, and improve the overall gut health of broiler chickens. Additionally, organic acids have been reported to exert positive effects on performance parameters, including growth rate, feed conversion ratio and carcass quality [5]. Several studies have demonstrated the positive influence of organic acids on broiler performance. The addition of organic acids to the diet has been found to enhance body weight gain, increase feed intake, and improve FCR. This improvement is attributed to the acidifying effect of organic acids, which enhances the digestibility and utilization of dietary nutrients, leading to better growth performance.

Maintaining a healthy intestinal structure is crucial for optimal nutrient absorption and overall gut health. Organic acid supplementation has been shown to positively affect the intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens. It promotes the development of longer villi and deeper crypts in the small intestine, thereby increasing the absorptive surface area. These structural changes improve nutrient absorption and reduce the incidence of intestinal disorders, leading to improved performance [6].Organic acid supplementation can also influence serum biochemistry parameters in broiler chickens. Research has shown that organic acids can positively impact serum parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and enzyme activities. These improvements are indicative of enhanced metabolic functions and better overall health in broilers receiving organic acid supplementation.

The beneficial effects of organic acids are attributed to their multifaceted mode of action. Organic acids lower the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, creating an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria. They also have antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, organic acids serve as an energy source for enterocytes in the intestinal mucosa, promoting their proliferation and improving gut integrity [7].

Discussion

Performance improvement

Dietary supplementation of organic acids has consistently demonstrated positive effects on the performance of broiler chickens. The improvement in performance parameters, such as body weight gain, feed intake, and FCR, can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, organic acids create an acidic environment in the gastrointestinal tract, which promotes the activity of digestive enzymes and improves nutrient digestibility. This leads to better nutrient absorption and utilization, resulting in enhanced growth rates. Secondly, organic acids have antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, reducing the risk of gut infections and related performance setbacks. Overall, the supplementation of organic acids in the diet of broiler chickens contributes to improved performance and productivity [8].

Intestinal histomorphology

The intestinal histomorphology plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and gut health. Research has consistently demonstrated that organic acid supplementation positively influences the structural integrity of the intestinal lining in broiler chickens. The elongation of villi and deepening of crypts in the small intestine increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. This enhanced absorptive capacity improves the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization, leading to better growth and performance. Additionally, organic acids have been found to promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut, further supporting gut health and function.

Serum biochemistry

Organic acid supplementation has been shown to impact serum biochemistry parameters in broiler chickens. Studies have reported positive changes in glucose levels, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and enzyme activities in the blood of chickens receiving organic acids. The improvement in glucose levels suggests enhanced glucose metabolism and energy utilization. Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels indicate a reduction in lipid accumulation and a healthier lipid profile. The modulation of enzyme activities in the serum reflects improved metabolic functions and overall health in broiler chickens. These changes in serum biochemistry further support the beneficial effects of organic acids on broiler chicken health and performance [9].

Mode of action

The mode of action through which organic acids exert their positive effects on broiler chickens is multifaceted. Firstly, the acidifying effect of organic acids creates an unfavorable environment for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This acidification inhibits the colonization of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, in the gut, reducing the risk of gut infections and related health issues. Secondly, organic acids act as a source of energy for the enterocytes present in the intestinal mucosa. This promotes the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells, leading to improved gut integrity and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, organic acids have been found to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and creating a healthier gut environment.

Practical implications

The findings regarding the impact of organic acid supplementation on broiler chicken performance, intestinal histomorphology, and serum biochemistry have practical implications for the poultry industry. Incorporating organic acids as feed additives can contribute to optimizing broiler production and reducing the reliance on antibiotics. By improving performance parameters, such as growth rate and feed efficiency, organic acids can enhance profitability for poultry producers. Moreover, the positive effects on intestinal histomorphology and gut health support the overall well-being of broiler chickens and reduce the incidence of gut-related disorders. Additionally, the modulation of serum biochemistry parameters indicates improved metabolic functions and health status. However, it is important to consider the optimal dosage, duration, and combinations of organic acids to achieve the maximum benefits without any adverse effects.

Future research directions

While the existing body of research provides valuable insights into the impact of organic acid supplementation on broiler chickens, further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of organic acids in broiler nutrition. Future studies can focus on evaluating different types and combinations of organic acids to determine the most [10].

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation of organic acids offers promising results in enhancing broiler chicken performance, intestinal histomorphology,and serum biochemistry. By improving gut health, nutrient absorption, and metabolic functions, organic acids contribute to better growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and overall health. Incorporating organic acids as feed additives can serve as an effective strategy to optimize broiler production while reducing reliance on antibiotics. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, duration, and combination of organic acids to maximize their benefits in broiler nutrition.

In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of organic acids has shown promising results in improving broiler chicken performance, intestinal histomorphology, and serum biochemistry. By promoting gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and improving metabolic functions, organic acids contribute to better growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and overall health in broiler chickens. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage, duration, and combinations of organic acids to maximize their benefits in broiler nutrition. Incorporating organic acids as feed additives can be an effective strategy to optimize broiler production while reducing the reliance on antibiotics.

Conflict of Interest

None

Acknowledgement

None

1. Wainwright S, El Idrissi A, Mattioli R, Tibbo M, Njeumi F, et al. (2013) Emergence of lumpy skin disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin countries. Empres watch 29: 1-6.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

2. Ripani A, Pacholek X (2015) Lumpy skin disease emerging disease in the Middle East-Threat to EuroMed countries. Transbound Emerg Dis 7: 1-24.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

3. Tuppurainen ESM, Venter EH, Coetzer JAW (2005) The detection of lumpy skin disease virus in samples of experimentally infected cattle using different diagnostic techniques. OJVR 72: 153-164.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

4. Rose WC (1968) The sequence of events leading to the establishment of the amino acid needs of man. Am J Public Health 58: 2020-2027.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

5. Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL (2009) The expanded biology of serotonin. Annu Rev Med 60: 355-366.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

6. Gingrich JA, Hen R (2001) Dissecting the role of the serotonin system in neuropsychiatric disorders using knockout mice. Psychopharmacology 155: 1-10.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

7. Giannaccini G, Betti L, Palego L (2013) The expression of platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) in human obesity. BMC Neuroscience 14: 128.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

8. Hudson JI, Pope Jr HG (1996) The management of treatment-resistant depression in disorders on the interface of psychiatry and medicine. Psychiatr Clin 19: 351-369.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

9. Ogurtsova K, Rocha Fernandez JD, Huang Y (2017) IDF Diabetes Atlas global estimates for the prevalence of diabetes for 2015 and 2040. Dia Res Clin Pract 128: 40-50.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at

10. Toit L, Biesman-Simons D, Levy TN, Dave JA (2018) A practical approach to managing diabetes in the perioperative period. SAMJ 108: 369.

Google Scholar, CrossRef, Indexed at