R. Bras. Zootec.08/Jul/2026;55:e20250013.
Effects of acidifiers in the drinking water on performance, serum biochemistry, and digestive tract microbial counts in broilers
Heloisa Pagnussatt
, Gustavo Zaccaron
, Alicia Dal Santo
, Fernanda Danieli Antoniazzi Valentini
, Thainá Daiane Vogel
, Alan Miranda Prestes
, Lilian Kolling Girardini
, Fernando de Castro Tavernari
, Lenita Moura Stefani
, Jean Kaique Valentim
, Arele Arlindo Calderano
, Tiago Goulart Petrolli
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effects of supplementing drinking water with an acidifier blend on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, and gastrointestinal microbial counts of broilers. A mixture containing phosphoric, citric, and tartaric acids was supplied at 0, 60, or 150 mL/1000 L of drinking water during specific production phases. A total of 320 Cobb male broilers were allocated in a completely randomized design with eight replicates of 12 birds each. The acidifier progressively reduced drinking water pH values (5.54, 3.17, and 2.72, respectively). No effects (P>0.05) were observed on final body weight, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio. A quadratic trend (P = 0.087) was observed for total mesophilic bacterial counts in the crop, with the lowest point estimated at 103.87 mL/1000 L, whereas jejunal bacterial counts were not affected. Quadratic responses (P<0.01) were also observed for serum total protein, globulin, cholesterol, and uric acid concentrations, while albumin was not influenced (P>0.05). Supplementation of drinking water with a blend of citric, tartaric, and phosphoric acids at 150 mL/1000 L was safe, did not impair broiler performance, and maintained serum biochemical values within normal ranges. Quadratic responses among the evaluated concentrations (0, 60, and 150 mL/1000 L) suggest a potential inclusion range between 85 and 157 mL/1000 L associated with favorable outcomes. These findings indicate that the evaluated acid blend may contribute to gut health and represents a promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.
Keywords: citric acid; intestinal health; microbiota; phosphoric acid; tartaric acid
