Fumaric and sorbic acid as additives in broiler feed

The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of dietary organic acids, fumaric and sorbic, on nitrogen corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AME(N)), metabolisability of nutrients, endogenous losses and performance on young broiler chickens. A total of 56 male Ross broilers were used in a growing experiment from 14 to 30d age. Seven experimental wheat-based (655g/kg) diets were formulated. The control diet did not contain organic acids. The other six diets were produced with the addition of fumaric or sorbic acids, replacing 0.5% , 1.0% or 1.5% of the wheat. The organic acid supplemented diets contained higher levels of AME(N) compared to the control diet. Overall, birds offered organic acids had lower feed intake. Dietary organic acids did not significantly affect weight gain or feed efficiency, however, birds offered supplemented diets had lower numbers of Lactic acid bacteria and Coliforms in the ileum and caeca. Birds offered organic acids had lower levels of endogenous losses compared to control fed birds. There was a negative relationship between AME(N) of the diets and excreted endogenous losses, measured as sialic acid. It can be concluded that the decrease in secretions from the gastrointestinal tract in the presence of fumaric and sorbic acids may be a mechanism involved in the mode of action of dietary organic acids.