What is Acidifier?
In the past few decades (1950-2006), antibiotics were widely used as growth promoters in animal nutrition, and many beneficial effects were observed. These effects were shown by modulating metabolism, improving nutrient digestibility, and reducing mortality and diseases. However, due to their persistence in the body and products, their transfer to humans, and the development of microbial resistance, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in the last two decades (since 2006 in the European Union). As a result, researchers have been looking for alternatives, one of which is acidifiers.
Acidifiers are feed additives used in animal and poultry nutrition. By lowering the acidity of the feed, acidifiers create pores in the structure of pathogenic microorganisms’ capsules, completely destroying their cytoplasm. Additionally, acidifiers help in the survival and growth of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) by acidifying the digestive environment of poultry.
Acidifiers are available in both powder and liquid forms.
Powdered Acidifiers are actually carboxylic organic acids that contain the –COOH group. Short-chain organic acids (with 1 to 7 carbon atoms in their structure) have antimicrobial properties.
Effects of Acidifiers on Broiler Chickens
Genetic changes in broiler chickens have increased growth rates and reduced the number of days required for their growth, but their digestive systems have not developed at the same rate as their muscles, putting additional strain on them. In this context, nutrition experts use compounds such as acidifiers to enhance nutrient digestibility and support the digestive system of broiler chickens. As mentioned above, acidifiers are combinations of several organic acids that lower the acidity in the digestive system, improving the digestibility of feed ingredients.
Acidifiers in Laying Hens and Breeder Hens
The quantity and quality of eggs in laying hens’ farms are among the most important parameters for evaluation. Many studies have reported that the use of organic acids increases the solubility of calcium in the acid and improves its digestibility, leading to thicker eggshells. This helps reduce the number of cracked or shell-less eggs and increases profitability.
For breeder hens, one critical parameter for poultry farmers is hatchability, which is calculated by dividing the number of chicks obtained by the number of fertilized eggs placed in the incubator and multiplying by 100. Although there have been few studies on the effects of acidifiers on hatchability, some studies have reported positive effects of acidifiers on hatch rates.
Acidifiers play a significant role in gut health and improve nutrient digestibility. Acidification of the gut can help eliminate harmful bacteria by breaking down their membrane capsules and creating a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria.
Chitika Acidifier
Chitika Acidifier is a powerful microencapsulated powder acidifier consisting of a combination of ascorbic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid. It is formulated to have minimal solubility in the initial parts of the digestive system, with its target location being the small intestine.
Key Benefits of Chitika Acidifier
- Provides a suitable environment for the growth and reproduction of probiotics
- Increases the population of beneficial gut microorganisms
- Improves the efficiency of the digestive system
- Improves digestion indices
Major Advantages of Using Chitika Acidifier in Poultry
- Antimicrobial properties
- Improves nutrient digestibility
- Enhances gut health and overall animal health
- Improves performance in broiler chickens and laying hens
- Reduces ammonia production by modifying the microbial flora
- Improves feed palatability and stimulates feed intake
- Enhances the growth of gut microvilli
- Strengthens the immune system
- Reduces diseases and mortality
- Easy to use due to its solid, powdered physical form
Dosage: 1 kilogram per ton of feed.
Components in Chitika Acidifier: Acetic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and filler.
