Research note: fumaric acid enhances performance of broiler chickens

Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of dietary inclusion of fumaric acid on performance and carcass composition of broiler chickens. Fumaric acid was added to nutritionally complete diets at levels of 0, .125, .25, and .5% and fed from 1 to 49 days under simulated commercial conditions. In one trial, samples of birds were processed to determine dressing percentage and abdominal fat content. In the first trial (mixed sex broilers), the addition of .125% fumaric acid significantly (P less than .05) improved 49-day body weight of females and average weight gain of both sexes with no effect on feed utilization. Feed consumption was significantly increased when diets contained .125 or .50% fumaric acid. In the second trial (male broilers), 49-day body weight was significantly (P less than .05) improved by the addition of .125 and .25% fumaric acid. There were no significant differences in feed consumption; feed utilization was improved by the addition of all levels of fumaric acid. Dietary fumaric acid had no adverse effects on dressing percentage, abdominal fat content, or mortality rate.