Even in less turbulent times, animal feed prices are a significant production expense – representing about 70% of livestock production costs. As 2023 gets underway, achieving production margins has become even more complex amid a "perfect storm" of conditions that are threatening producers' profitability.

Below, we look at various factors contributing to this storm, and explain how nutritional interventions including specific blends of organic acids can help manage animal health and performance while delivering a positive return on investment.

A sustained season of disruption

Disruption in poultry production has become a sustained production challenge. Supply problems that started during the COVID-19 pandemic were exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war. Tighter grain supplies, logistic disruptions and general uncertainty have all contributed to price spikes.

Climate, labor, and rising energy prices have further stressed producers' businesses. Extreme drought curtailed harvests in some growing regions whereas heavy rains led to issues with mycotoxins in other areas. Steep price increases for shipping and energy costs have been compounded by labor shortages and public health crises.

Beyond hindering economics, these disruptions have led to problems with quality. Declines in the quality of raw ingredients used in broiler diets presents a special risk for flocks' gut health and performance, which can reduce profitability.

Pathogens and the economics of production

Flocks are continually exposed to pathogenic challenges during the production cycle. The phasing-out and/or ban of in-feed antibiotics (i.e., AGPs) in the broiler industry has restricted producers' access to some conventional treatments used to support gut health. Enteric disorders are often accompanied by an imbalance of gut microbiota and reduced nutrient digestibility.

When it comes to supporting enteric health, technologies that can improve health and production efficiency offer a strategy for steering performance and profitability. Feed additives, such as organic acid blends, probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils, and plant extracts are interventions that have shown promising effects. Despite the benefits that science-backed nutrition offers, removing feed additives can initially sound like a reasonable step for curbing production costs. Does such an approach make economic sense in the real-world?

Cost or opportunity?

When viewed through the lens of improved broiler efficiency, feed additives can actually add value to producers' bottom lines.

Improving feed efficiency is a great opportunity for farmers to leverage in today's tough economic conditions. Organic acids and their blends have demonstrated the potential to improve the performance and health of broilers, support more efficient production and improve the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Ultimately, the efficiency of the producer's business is enhanced.

How can organic acids affect FCR?

The positive effects of organic acids on FCR are related to increased nutrient digestibility and improved intestinal health status. Blends of organic acids support multiple functions to aid birds' digestion and improve absorption of nutrients. These functions include reducing the pH in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting digestive enzyme activity and optimizing nutrient digestibility, altering intestinal morphology, and stimulating the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, among others. Furthermore, organic acids stabilize the gut microbial environment, enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and managing pathogenic bacteria. The inhibitory influence that organic acids exert on pathogenic bacteria increases nutrient availability for the host.

Simply stated, ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract can either feed the microbiota or the bird. Organic acids can manage bacteria in the gut to ensure nutrients in the diet intended for the birds are digested by birds and not by the microbes. Given the aforementioned 70% of production costs represented by feed, it is essential that nutrients are used by the bird and contribute to improved FCR.

Multiple studies validate blended organic acids' efficacy in reducing broilers FCR

Proof is in the performance and the promise of any nutritional intervention must be validated. Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of organic acid blends delivered to birds via feed or water.

Considering mode of action deployed by nutritional technologies, special blends of organic acids can lower the pH in the crop and gizzard to levels where many pathogenic bacteria struggle to survive, while also aiding digestion. Additionally, organic acid blends can strengthen the bird's gut barrier function and specially developed feed additives can balance microbiota in the gut.

Selko^®-pH is a water acidifier designed to support digestion via a specific blend of buffered organic acids. Figure 1 shows a compilation of 15 studies (6 R&D and 9 field trials) conducted in collaboration with research facilities, universities and farmers in different countries, thereby covering different production systems, climate, and housing conditions. Studies evaluating the effects of SpH on broiler growth performance (final body weight) and efficiency (FCR) showed that broiler FCR was reduced on average by -2.6% when organic acids (Selko-pH) were applied via water.

In the context of today's high feed prices, using organic acids to improve FCR delivers a financial value.

Using corn and soybean meal prices in September 2022, it was calculated the return on investment (ROI) of using Selko-pH in water, considering the average improvement in FCR of - 2.6%. According to our calculation, based on local feed, product and livestock prices, the application of Selko-pH resulted in a benefit of € 0.032 (ROI of 3.32) per broiler compared to a control group (Table 1).

While no one can predict the future, many indicators suggest that energy prices, extreme weather and geopolitical tensions will continue to put pressure on producers' margins in 2023. A proactive approach that includes organic acid blends and feed additives designed to support flock health and efficient production can help support producers' businesses during uncertain times.

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Article made possible through the contribution of Selko

Improving broiler efficiency with organic acids in a turbulent economy. Opportunity or expense?