Poultry Farming Turns to Organic Acids for Healthier Birds

The poultry industry is navigating a challenging landscape due to the European Union's ban on antibiotics as growth promoters, implemented in 2006. In response to this shift, researchers have been exploring alternative methods to support the health and growth of livestock. Organic acids and their salts have emerged as a promising feed additive in poultry farming, offering benefits such as improved feed palatability, reduced pH levels, and enhanced digestive enzymes. By incorporating these acids, farmers can improve metabolism, enhance feed digestibility, and accelerate growth, ultimately supporting overall bird health and productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Union's 2006 ban on antibiotics as growth promoters has compelled the poultry industry to seek alternative methods to support health and growth in livestock.
• Organic acids and their salts have been developed as a replacement for nutritional antibiotics, aiming to combat antibiotic resistance and manage diseases.
• The incorporation of organic acids improves feed palatability, reduces pH levels, and activates digestive enzymes, while inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms and preserving beneficial microflora.
• Organic acids enhance metabolism, improve feed digestibility, and accelerate growth, supporting overall bird health and productivity.
• Researchers have concluded that organic acids supplementation in poultry nutrition is a promising and effective method to improve poultry farming.
• Pavlina Hristakieva, from the Agricultural Institute, has been involved in the research, highlighting the importance of organic acids in poultry nutrition.

Statistics:

• 2006: The European Union implemented a ban on antibiotics as growth promoters.
• 15(8):3448: The volume and page number of the research article "Organic acids supplementation in poultry nutrition: A review" published in Open Veterinary Journal in 2025.
• 580: The page number of the news report "Researchers at Agricultural Institute Report Findings in Poultry Farming (Organic acids supplementation in poultry nutrition: A review)" in Agriculture Week on October 16, 2025.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Researchers at Agricultural Institute Report Findings in Poultry Farming (Organic acids supplementation in poultry nutrition: A review). Agriculture Week. October 16, 2025; p 580.
• Open Veterinary Journal. Organic acids supplementation in poultry nutrition: A review. 2025;15(8):3448.