Open Access
Review (Published online: 24-03-2022)
19. The application of ascorbic acid as a therapeutic feed additive to boost immunity and antioxidant activity of poultry in heat stress environment
Truong Van Hieu, Budi Guntoro, Nguyen Hoang Qui, Nguyen Thi Kim Quyen and Farid Akbar Al Hafiz
Veterinary World, 15(3): 685-693

Truong Van Hieu: Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City, Vietnam.
Budi Guntoro: Department of Livestock Social-Economics, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia.
Nguyen Hoang Qui: Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City, Vietnam.
Nguyen Thi Kim Quyen: Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City, Vietnam.
Farid Akbar Al Hafiz: Department of Livestock Social-Economics, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.685-693

Share this article on [Facebook] [LinkedIn]

Article history: Received: 16-11-2021, Accepted: 15-02-2022, Published online: 24-03-2022

Corresponding author: Budi Guntoro

E-mail: budiguntoro@ugm.ac.id

Citation: Hieu TV, Guntoro B, Qui NH, Quyen NTK, Al Hafiz FA (2022) The application of ascorbic acid as a therapeutic feed additive to boost immunity and antioxidant activity of poultry in heat stress environment, Veterinary World, 15(3): 685-693.
Abstract

Ascorbic acid, widely known as vtamin C, is an essential nutrient for animals such as poultry. Ascorbic acid in poultry feed improves animal health and thus increases the growth performance of birds. Ascorbic acid can be used in the form of synthetic products or can be naturally obtained from fruits and plants. It is soluble in water and can be easily administered in drinking water and the diet. Poultry can synthesize ascorbic acid in the body. However, the performance of the animals can be improved by adding ascorbic acid to their diet. In addition, ascorbic acid is called an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This increases their resistance to disease during the transition season. Ascorbic acid supplementation positively affects the stress response, especially during the dry season in tropical countries. Furthermore, supplementing ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet improves resistance to diseases, regulates stress, and helps in the body's oxidation process. Ultimately, this enhances the laying rate, egg hatch performance, and higher poultry productivity. For layers at the end of the laying period, it helps increase the quality of the eggshell and reduces the proportion of broken eggs. Ascorbic acid has a strong relationship with other vitamins such as vitamin E and other substances such as zinc, safflower oil, folic acid, and a fibrous diet. This review aims to synthesize all the information of ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet, thereby providing the general role of ascorbic acid for the poultry industry.

Keywords: antioxidant, ascorbic acid, immune system, poultry production.