Effects of water acidifiers on the growth performance, intestinal function and gut microflora in broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Gastrointestinal Microbiology

Background:

• Optimizing gastrointestinal function and intestinal health is crucial for broiler performance.
• Acidified drinking water is explored as a strategy to modulate gut health in poultry.
• Understanding the impact of specific acidifiers on gut microbiota and morphology is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of Selko pH and Forticoat, as acidified drinking water additives, on broiler gastrointestinal function and intestinal health.
• To assess the impact of these treatments on performance parameters, gut morphology, and caecal microbiota composition.

Main Methods:

• 630 Arbor Acre broilers were divided into three groups: control (CON), Selko pH, and Forticoat.
• Treatments involved adding specific concentrations of Selko pH or Forticoat to drinking water.
• Performance data, gut measurements, and digesta samples were collected at 21 and 42 days of age.

Main Results:

• Acidified water did not significantly affect body weight or average daily gain (ADG).
• Forticoat increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) and pepsin activity; Selko pH and Forticoat increased relative intestinal lengths (duodenum, jejunum, caecum).
• Selko pH supplementation significantly increased beneficial bacteria (e.g., Blautia, Bifidobacterium) and decreased pathogens (e.g., Escherichia Shigella) in the caecum.

Conclusions:

• Supplementing broiler drinking water with Selko pH and Forticoat can enhance intestinal health.
• These additives positively influence gut morphology, pepsin activity, and caecal microbial balance.
• Acidified drinking water shows potential for improving gut health management in broilers without compromising growth.