Organic acids supplementation in poultry nutrition: A review

The poultry industry is continually exploring new feed additives to enhance poultry productivity and health. Since the European Union's (EU) 2006 ban on antibiotics as growth promoters, alternative methods have become essential to support health and growth in livestock production. In response, various strategies have been developed to replace nutritional antibiotics, aiming to combat antibiotic resistance and manage diseases that would otherwise require antibiotic intervention. One promising alternative is the incorporation of organic acids (OAs) and their salts as feed additives in poultry farming. OAs improve feed palatability, reduce pH levels in the gastrointestinal tract of birds, activate digestive enzymes, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms while preserving beneficial microflora. These acids enhance metabolism, improve feed digestibility, and accelerate growth. Additionally, OAs support overall bird health, a key factor affecting productivity traits and, consequently, the economic performance and profitability of poultry farming. This article examines the potential applications of OAs in poultry nutrition.