The Effect of Citric Acid Supplementation on Growth Performance, Digestibility and Linear Body Measurement of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens: A Review

Abstract

Feed additives are considered to be one of the most valuable but expensive ingredients in poultry production to optimize high production. The present paper reviews the potential use of citric acid as a cheap and alternative antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) supply in poultry diets. A review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE (published articles) to determine the effect of citric acid supplementation on growth performance, digestibility and linear body measurements of Ross 308 broiler chicken. Studies shows that supplementing the diets of broiler chickens with citric acid improves nutrient retention, mineral adsorption, meat attributes, enhance intestinal enzyme activities and protect livestock animals and poultry from harmful microorganisms. Additional notable advantages of acidifiers include the potential to be used to favourably alter gut flora populations and stimulate immunological response and so serve a function similar to antibiotic-resistant strains of harmful bacteria in food animals. Citric acid also promotes nutrient digestion and mineral absorption. The inclusion of organic acids ultimately results in the thickening of the intestinal wall, which promotes in the improved absorption of nutrients and the efficient utilization of those nutrients.