Performance of broiler chicks as influenced by feeding diets supplemented with organic acids

In present study, a total of 150 day old broiler chicks of similar sex ratio were distributed into 5 groups having 2 replicates each, in a completely randomized experimental design. Performance of birds evaluated from age 1 to 42 days, receiving 0.8% formic acid (T₁), 0.4% propionic acid (T₂) 0.6% blend of organic acids (OAs) as 7:3 ratio of formic and propionic acid (T₃) in corn-soya base diet. A +ve and –ve control groups were also formulated as lincomycin (T₄) as antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) supplemented @250mg/kg and without any additive (T₀) for comparison. Diets were computed as starter, grower and finisher having their corresponding % CP 22, 20 and 18.17%; and ME 2800, 2927 and 3040 Kcal/kg, respectively. In all the three phases of growth T₂, T₃ and T₄ performed better in terms of body weight gain and feed consumption. Non significant differences were observed in FCR among the treatment groups and control except formic acid supplemented group (P<0.05). Serum alkaline Phosphatase, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase levels were also within the normal range. Antibody titre against NDV and IBD was significantly higher in all the treatment groups than AGP and control. No adverse effect was found on dressing percentage but a reduction in abdominal fat was observed with OAs compared to control. The results suggested that dietary inclusion of propionic acid improved performance of birds without any adverse effect.