Is Apple Cider Vinegar Extract Good For Chickens?
“Antibiotic-free” feed makes the intestinal health of broilers face great challenges. It is one of the feasible methods for broiler keepers to improve intestinal health and meat quality by regulating nutrient intake by feed. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often used by chicken keepers as a natural remedy to help control external parasites like mites on chickens. When added to your flock’s water or feed in small amounts, it can offer several potential benefits for chickens when used with care:
Supports Immune System
ACV is antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and loaded with beneficial probiotics. It’s believed that the concentrated nature of ACV extract may offer a potent immune-boosting effect. When chickens ingest ACV, it helps promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and suppresses harmful organisms. This balanced gut microbiome helps chickens resist common diseases and infections.
Good for Digestive Health
ACV extract can help maintain a healthy pH level in a chicken’s digestive system, which potentially reduces the risk of digestive issues. It can be used as probiotics that suppress candida overgrowth and may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, potentially improving nutrient absorption and reducing the risk of digestive issues. Candida is a naturally occurring yeast that can proliferate and cause issues when chickens are under stress. It prevents candidiasis and maintains a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive system.
Increases Nutrient Absorption
The organic acids in ACV create a more favorable gut environment and have been shown to increase nutrient digestibility and absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Malic acid is an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and an organic acidifier with a strong antioxidant capacity. One study added 4, 8 or 12 g/kg of bio-fermented malic acid to broilers’ diets, respectively, and found that apple cider vinegar extract can improve growth performance and body health of broilers by enhancing immunity and improving cecal microbiota structure. This can lead to improved egg production, quality and growth rates, though scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
Good for Respiratory Health
The acetic acid contained in ACV is believed to inhibit bacterial growth in the respiratory tract, which may help reduce respiratory issues in chickens by maintaining clean airways and preventing infections. Chickens given ACV in their water have demonstrated improved respiratory health in multiple studies. ACV may also act as an expectorant and help thin mucus secretions associated with respiratory infections.
Pest Control
Apple cider vinegar is often used by chicken keepers as a natural remedy to help control external parasites like mites on chickens. Apple cider vinegar extract is more concentrated than regular apple cider vinegar. Diluted it to make it safe for your chickens and can be used as a spray to deter pests like flies, mites, and lice in and around the chicken coop and nesting boxes. Or provide the diluted ACV extract in fresh, clean water to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the chickens have access to fresh, clean water. A common dilution ratio is to mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV extract per gallon of water. Start with a lower concentration and adjust as needed. However, ACV can be a part of your pest control strategy, it’s not a guaranteed method to completely get rid of mites.
It’s important to follow suggested dilution guidelines while using ACV extract and speak with a veterinarian or knowledgeable poultry keeper to figure out the right dosage for your particular flock and situation. Furthermore, keep in mind that while ACV and ACV extract are widely used by poultry keepers, there is frequently no scientific evidence to support these claims, and individual outcomes may differ. For your particular flock and conditions, it’s always a good idea to speak with a veterinarian or an experienced poultry keeper to find out the right quantity and frequency of ACV extract.
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