Effect of Citric and Acetic Acid Water Acidification on Broiler’s Performance with respect to Thyroid Hormones Levels

The current study investigated the effects of water acidification (pH 4.5) on broilers’ performance judged by thyroid hormones modulation. A total 132 Cobb broiler chicks were equally divided into 4 groups; control group (Cgr), citric acid group (CA-gr), acetic acid group (AA-gr) and combination group (CO-gr). Control received tape water and other treatment groups received acidified drinking water (pH 4.5) by CA, AA, and a mixture of 1:1 AA and CA, respectively. Live body weight (LBW), feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), pH values of small intestine, edible organs weight, serum thyroid hormones, and lipid profile were determined. Liver, small intestine histopathology, and villi morphometry were performed. The LBW was significantly (P<0.5) improved in CA-gr while reduced in AA-gr than control. Feed consumption was significantly (P<0.5) reduced in all treated groups than C-gr. The FCR was significantly (P<0.05) improved in CA-gr and Co-gr than C-g and AA-gr. The AA significantly (P<0.05) reduced liver weight while CA increased heart weight than control. Gizzard weight was significantly (P<0.05) increased in all treatments groups than control. The CA-gr and Co-gr significantly (P<0.05) elevated serum T3 level than C-gr and AA-gr. While Serum T4 level was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in all experimental groups than C-gr. Lipid profile showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in all treated groups than C-gr. Intestinal morphometry was significantly (P<0.05) increased in CA-gr and CO-gr. Water acidification by CA (pH 4.5) improved poultry performance via modulating gut, liver health and thyroid hormones with respect to lipid profile while AA gave adverse effects.