The Role of Organic Acids and Medium Chain Fatty Acids in Poultry Health and Performance

Introduction

The quest for antibiotic alternatives in poultry farming has led to the exploration of various feed supplements aimed at enhancing the health, welfare, and productivity of poultry birds. Among these alternatives, organic acids (OA) and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have shown promising results due to their antimicrobial properties and multiple therapeutic effects. This article delves into the benefits of OA and MCFAs, highlighting their potential as effective replacements for antibiotics in poultry nutrition.

Organic Acids as Antibiotic Alternatives

Types and Benefits of Organic Acids

Organic acids, such as formic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, butyric acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, have been widely studied for their beneficial effects on poultry health and performance. These acids offer several advantages:

• Antimicrobial Properties: OA exhibit strong antimicrobial activities, helping to control pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of poultry birds.
• Enhanced Production Performance: Supplementation with OA has been linked to significant improvements in growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and overall production performance.
• Therapeutic Effects: OA have been shown to possess antifungal, antiprotozoal, and anticoccidial properties, making them versatile agents in poultry health management.
• Immune System Support: By improving the physiology and morphology of the GIT, OA contribute to a stronger immune system, enhancing the birds' ability to resist diseases.

Mechanisms of Action

The effectiveness of OA in poultry nutrition can be attributed to their ability to lower the pH in the GIT, creating an unfavourable environment for pathogenic microorganisms. This not only inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria but also promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut microflora, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall health.

Medium Chain Fatty Acids: A Powerful Supplement

Sources and Types of MCFAs

Medium chain fatty acids, primarily derived from milk and coconut oil, have gained attention for their health benefits in poultry. Among the MCFAs, lauric acid and its derivative, monolaurin, stand out due to their potent antimicrobial properties.

Health Benefits of Lauric Acid and Monolaurin

• Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity: Lauric acid and monolaurin are effective against a wide range of pathogens, including gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), fungi (e.g., Candida albicans), and viruses (e.g., vesicular stomatitis virus, herpes simplex virus, visna virus).
• Mechanism of Action: These compounds interact with functional groups in the cell membranes of pathogens, causing damage and leading to cell death. This mode of action helps in controlling infections and maintaining a healthy GIT environment.

Introduction to BTR MCT-L

To capitalize on the combined benefits of organic acids and medium chain fatty acids, our company has developed BTR MCT-L, a revolutionary feed supplement for poultry birds. BTR MCT-L comprises tributyrin and alpha monolaurin, two potent compounds known for their health-promoting properties.

Composition and Benefits of BTR MCT-L

• Tributyrin: A glyceride form of butyric acid, tributyrin is highly effective in improving gut health. It serves as a source of butyrate, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining, enhancing nutrient absorption, and providing energy to intestinal cells.
• Modified-GML: This derivative of lauric acid boasts strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Alpha monolaurin helps in reducing the microbial load in the GIT, thus promoting a healthier gut environment, and improving overall immunity.

Forms and Applications

BTR MCT-L is available in both powder form for use in feed and liquid form for use in drinking water, offering flexibility and convenience for poultry farmers.

• Powder Form: Ideal for mixing directly into poultry feed, ensuring uniform distribution and consistent intake.
• Liquid Form: Suitable for adding to drinking water, allowing for easy administration and absorption by the birds.

Advantages of Using BTR MCT-L

• Enhanced Gut Health: By combining the benefits of tributyrin and alpha monolaurin, BTR MCT-L significantly enhances the gut health of poultry birds, leading to better nutrient absorption and growth performance.
• Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Action: The antimicrobial properties of alpha monolaurin help in controlling a wide range of pathogens, reducing the incidence of diseases and minimizing the need for antibiotics.
• Improved Immune Function: The immune-boosting effects of tributyrin and alpha monolaurin contribute to a stronger defense system, enabling birds to resist infections more effectively.

Combined Effects on Poultry Health and Performance

When used together, OA and MCFAs provide a synergistic effect that enhances their individual benefits. This combination can lead to:

• Improved Feed Digestibility: By optimizing the GIT environment, these supplements enhance nutrient absorption and feed efficiency.
• Enhanced Disease Resistance: The antimicrobial properties of OA and MCFAs help in controlling a broad spectrum of pathogens, reducing the incidence of diseases and the need for antibiotics.
• Better Overall Health: The immune-boosting effects and improved GIT health contribute to better overall well-being and productivity of poultry birds.

Conclusion

The supplementation of organic acids and medium chain fatty acids in poultry diets offers a promising alternative to antibiotics. Their ability to improve health status, boost immune function, and enhance production performance makes them valuable tools in modern poultry farming. Our product, BTR MCT-L, harnesses the combined power of tributyrin and alpha monolaurin, providing a comprehensive solution for enhancing poultry health and performance.

By integrating BTR MCT-L into poultry nutrition, farmers can achieve healthier flocks, improved performance, and a reduction in antibiotic use, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible approach to poultry farming.

To find out more about BTR MCT-L Plus feel free to visit manukabiotech.com for more information or send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

By Kayla Wong, Technical Specialist, Manuka Biotech