Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood biochemical indices of broilers affected by dietary organic acids blend’s supplementation

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to explore the influence of organic acids cocktail (lactic-L plus formic-F acid, LF) in broiler diets on feed utilization, growth rate, blood indices and carcass traits. A total of 300 chicks were used and allotted to five treatment groups. The rations contained 0 additives (negative control-NC), basal diet + 0.5 g Colistin^® (positive control-PC); LF2, LF4 and LF6: basal diet + 2, 4 and 6 cm³ LF/kg diet, respectively. There were no differences in feed consumption and feed conversion due to LF treatments at all ages except FI at 1–2 wks of age which was significantly affected by gradual levels of LF (p < 0.05). All carcass traits were statistically significant (p < 0.05) differed due to LF treatments. The alterations in urea, creatinine total protein, globulin and albumin in addition to the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in broiler chicks were significantly different when compared to controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) slightly decreased with an increase in the level of formic plus lactic. Based on our results, the highest and middle levels (6 and 4 cm³ LF/kg diet) are recommended for the best performance and health aspects of broilers.

Keywords:

• Organic acids
• carcass
• blood
• antioxidants
• broilers

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.