Acidifier Optocid efficacy on pathogenetic bacteria populations, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and intestinal histology in broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate antibacterial properties of Optocid acidifier against pathogenic bacteria, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and intestinal histology of broiler chickens. In vitro coundition the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Optocid against pathogenic bacteria of poultry (Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) were evaluated. In vivo stage, a total of 100 one-day-old male Ross-308 broiler chicks were allotted to a complete randomized design with 2 treatments, fed non-supplemented diet and fed diet containing 0.1% Optocid with 5 replications and 10 birds each. The results of MIC and MBC revealed that this product was effective against all three pathogenic bacteria. Dietary Optocid supplementation significantly decrease 10d live weight and daily feed intake in 2-10 day of age period. Dietary Optocid supplementation was not affect on growth performance traits in 11-23 day of age. During the finisher (24-42d) and the whole experimental (2-42d) periods the final live body weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, European production efficiency factor and economic performance improved as diet supplement by Optocid. Dietary Optocid supplementation increase protein digestibility, and intestinal villi height. It is concluded, dietary Optocid supplementation (0.1%) can be effective on growth performance, health and development of the digestive system in broiler chickens.