Effects of Neutral Electrolytic Water on Growth, Carcass, and Gut Microbiota of Arbor Acres Plus (AA+) Broilers

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of neutral electrolytic water (NEW) on the growth performance, slaughter performance, bone development, and cecum microbiome of Arbor Acres Plus (AA+) broilers. A total of 120 broilers were raised in an environmentally controlled room with four rows of battery cages, each equipped with a water line housing 30 broilers. Two lines supplied normal water (CK), and the other two supplied NEW (TRT), with 10 broilers per cage (six replicates per group) over a 42-day trial. Results showed that broilers in the TRT group had significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and lower feed consumption-to-gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05) at 22-42 and 1-42 days compared with the CK group. NEW consumption had no significant impact on slaughter performance or bone development (p > 0.05). The TRT group increased cecal flora diversity and abundance, with Lactobacillus as the dominant genus at the genus level. Correlation analysis revealed Oscillospira abundance was significantly positively correlated with F/G (R > 0.6, p < 0.05). Lactobacillus abundance was significantly positively correlated with ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (R > 0.6, p < 0.05) and significantly negatively correlated with F/G (R < -0.6, p < 0.05). In summary, NEW improved growth performance, enhanced cecal flora diversity, and increased Lactobacillus abundance in AA+ broilers.