Organic acid blend supplementation increases butyrate and acetate production in  Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium challenged broilers

Abstract

The burden of enteric pathogens in poultry is growing after the ban of antibiotic use in animal production. Organic acids gained attention as a possible alternative to antibiotics due to their antimicrobial activities, improved nutrient metabolism and performance. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of organic acid blend on broilers cecal microbiota, histomorphometric measurements, and short-chain fatty acid production in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium challenge model. Birds were divided into four treatments, including a negative control, positive control challenged with S. Typhimurium, group supplemented with an organic acid blend, and birds supplemented with organic acid blend and Salmonella challenged. Results illustrate significant differences in feed conversion ratios and production efficiency factor between treatment groups, however, the influence of organic acid supplement was marginal. Organic acid blend significantly increased cecal acetic and butyric acids concentrations when compared to unsupplemented groups and resulted in minor alterations of intestinal bacterial communities.

Reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium Cecal Colonisation and Improvement of Intestinal Health in Broilers Supplemented with Fermented Defatted ‘Alperujo’, an Olive Oil By-Product

“…Many authors have reported shortening of villi after a Salmonella spp. challenge [ 2 , 6 , 7 , 29 , 35 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ], which implies difficulty in absorption capacity and a reduction in body weight gain [ 29 , 40 , 41 , 44 ]. In our study, we were able to observe a significant increase in the duodenum villi height of the treated group in most samplings, as previously described in healthy broilers [ 15 ].…”

“…infection, an increase in the depth of the crypts is expected to compensate superficial mucosal damage [ 6 , 29 , 41 ]. Intestinal microbiota contributes to host susceptibility to infections [ 43 ]. Sequencing data of the 16S rDNA showed that the population up to 21 days of life was composed mainly by Enterobacteriaceae , which drastically decreased thereafter [ 46 , 47 ].…”

Polyphenols and Organic Acids as Alternatives to Antimicrobials in Poultry Rearing: A Review

“…Thus, the beneficial action is promoted along the entire gut tract. Organic acid efficiency is affected by molecular weight, pKa value, form (undissociated or dissociated) and the specific antimicrobial activity (targeted microorganism) [ 65 , 69 ].…”

“…A combination of OAs can also be used. For instance, a blend of SCFAs and MCFAs and a low dose of ß1-4 mannobiose against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was evaluated in broilers [ 69 ]. However, the dose of 3 g/kg improved the performances only minimally, with a stable activity of the probiotic flora.…”

“…However, the dose of 3 g/kg improved the performances only minimally, with a stable activity of the probiotic flora. The authors concluded that the concentration of OAs was too low to show an effect on the microbiota [ 69 ]. Elsewhere, an evident antibacterial effect was observed already in the first days of the experimental period using a blend of OAs with a 0.2% level of inclusion [ 71 ].…”