An implication of apple cider vinegar administration on the hematology, serum biochemistry, and liver histology of broiler chickens

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Organic acids (OA) have been discovered to possess antimicrobial properties, thus resulting in growth improvement in animals. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains a blend of OAs in addition to its vitamins and minerals constituent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intermittent usage of ACV as an alternative growth promoter on the hematology, serum biochemistry, and liver histology of broiler chickens.
Methodology: In a 6-week study, 300 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 6 treatments of 50 birds, which were replicated 5 times to contain 10 birds per replicate; this was arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial layouts using a completely randomized design. Birds in 4 treatments were offered graded doses of ACV in their water (5 or 10 mL/L) for either 2 or 3 consecutive days/week, while the birds in the 2 control treatments were administered antibiotics (enrofloxacin).
Main Results: All hematological parameters measured were not significant except the heterophil, which increased with increased dosages of ACV. From the interactive effect of dosage and frequency of administration of ACV, the highest and lowest values of heterophil were obtained from birds offered 10 mL/L ACV thrice weekly and 5 mL/L ACV thrice weekly, respectively. Among the serum parameters, aspartate aminotransferase significantly reduced with a higher administration frequency of ACV, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was higher in birds given ACV twice (30.70 ± 3.83 U/L) and thrice weekly (31.15 ± 3.83 U/L) compared to birds on antibiotics (15.10 ± 3.85 U/L). Also, the interactive effect of dosage and frequency of administration of ACV showed that birds offered 10 mL/L ACV twice weekly (37.40 ± 5.41 U/L), and one of the groups offered antibiotics (14.60 ± 5.41 U/L) had the highest and lowest ALT values, respectively. Creatinine level was not significant across all treatments. Results of the liver histology revealed that birds offered 10 mL/L ACV had slight necrosis of the hepatocytes and liver parenchyma.
Conclusions: This study discovered that ACV, an organic growth promoter, should be used at a lower dose and in discontinuous frequency for broiler chickens to prevent possible negative impacts on their liver.