The Use of Electrolytes, Vitamins, and Minerals as Efficient Growth-Promoting Agents in Broiler Diets

Abstract

Proper feed formulation and their efficient utilization are the prime consideration for successful and profitable poultry farming. Growth Promoters are recognized as feed additives for faster growth and economic meat production in the broiler industry. The use of antibiotics in food animals for growth promotion and disease prevention has been controversial for a long time due to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals and humans, resulting in treatment failure when needed. Currently, several possible alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters are used which include significant changes in husbandry practices, and the strategic use of enteric microflora modifiers, including acidifiers, probiotics, enzymes, algae, and herbal products, microflora enhancers, and immuno-modulators. In this issue, Ali et al. demonstrated the use of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals in broiler diets as an inexpensive and efficient growth-promoting agent without residual effects like antibiotic growth promoters. Therefore, there is a need to fully understand and demonstrate the role of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals in broiler nutrition, as well as their contribution to growth performance concerning current poultry housing systems.