Impact of propionic acid on growth performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chicks

Younis, M.; Abu Fares, Fatma G.; Alraeboub, Buthuynah M.

doi:10.21608/aasj.2024.347699.1180

Impact of propionic acid on growth performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chicks

Document Type : Research article

Authors

¹ Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt

² Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Bani Waleed University, Libya

³ Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Bani Waleed University, Libya

10.21608/aasj.2024.347699.1180

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of propionic acid addition on growth outcomes, carcass traits, nutrients digestion, and intestinal pH in broiler chicks. A total of 120 one-day-old Ross broiler chicks were divided into three treatment groups: a control group fed a basal diet without additives, and two experimental groups fed diets supplemented with 0.5% or 0.75% propionic acid. The results indicated that propionic acid supplementation significantly improved live body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, with the lower supplementation level (0.5%) showing greater efficacy than the higher level (0.75%). Additionally, carcass percentage was significantly increased, and abdominal fat percentage was lower in the treatment groups than the control group, with no notable variations between the two supplementation levels. Nutrient digestibility assessments revealed that 0.75% propionic acid significantly improved crude protein digestibility compared to the control, while both supplementation levels enhanced crude fiber digestibility, with the higher level demonstrating superior results. These findings suggest that propionic acid is an effective dietary supplement for promoting growth and improving nutrient utilization in broiler production, underscoring its potential to enhance poultry health and meat quality.

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