The current state and prospects for the use of organic acids and their compositions in poultry feed: A literature review

Abstract

The use of antibiotics in poultry farming is critically limited, which leads to the search for and research of alternative compounds to replace antibiotics. Organic acids are considered one such alternative, but the antimicrobial and metabolic effects of fatty acid blends are still controversial and understudied. All this necessitates a systematic analysis of the current data on effective antibiotic replacement strategies. The purpose of this study was to analyse and summarise current ideas on the use of organic acid mixtures as an alternative strategy for sustainable poultry production. An analysis of current literature showed that one of the most promising alternatives to the use of antibiotics in poultry farming is mixtures of organic acids and their derivatives, which have antibacterial effects, lower pH, are involved in energy metabolism, and all this together contributes to intestinal function. Organic acids have a positive effect on physiological functions, namely, digestion and the immune system, are the main source of energy for colonocytes, and reduce the pathogenic bacterial load on the digestive tract. Mixtures of organic acids were shown to be more effective than their individual use, specifically, mixtures of short- and medium-chain fatty acids were shown to be highly effective in supporting the intestinal barrier, microbiome, and immunity, with the former acting better as growth promoters and the latter having higher antibacterial properties. The efficiency of organic acids alone or in mixtures depends on many factors, depending on the type of molecule, form, and dose. The expediency of further studies of the effects of organic acids was substantiated, which will be useful for the development of antibiotic-free strategies using the synergistic effects of their mixtures and multidirectional cytoprotective effect. The findings of this study will be useful for scientists and veterinarians to learn about the prospects of using organic acid compositions as antibiotic alternatives, specifically for the development of technological approaches to minimise their use

Keywords

• blends of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids
• poultry farming
• antibiotics
• intestinal function maintenance