The Impact of Dietary Electrolyte Balance on Male Broiler Performance Offered Reduced Crude Protein Diets

Very informative article ,would the results be same with straight run.One more group with higher DEB(250 or 260)would have confirmed the optimum level of DEB in feed.

When we use reduced CP , the energy protein ratio is disturbed,though we maitain DEB at optimum level, shall we ignore the EP ratio, if we go for essential AA balance with low protein level?

good work
DEB role is more critical during heat stress.

Hi Drs. and authors

When reducing crude protein (CP) in poultry diets, maintaining an optimal energy-to-protein (E/P) ratio is still important, but its role changes when essential amino acid (AA) balancing is prioritized.
> We should consider:
• E/P Ratio vs. Amino Acid Balance:
Traditionally, the E/P ratio is used as a guideline for balancing growth and feed efficiency.
• However, if you ensure an ideal amino acid profile (especially lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine) while lowering CP, birds can still perform well without strictly adhering to the conventional E/P ratio.
• The challenge is ensuring amino acid availability without excessive synthetic supplementation, which can affect gut health and metabolism.

> Energy Utilization & DEB:
Since protein metabolism has an energy cost (due to nitrogen excretion), a low-protein, well-balanced AA diet can improve energy efficiency.
• If dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) is optimal, it helps mitigate potential negative effects of low CP on acid-base balance and performance.
• Practical Approach:
Focus on digestible amino acid (DAA) ratios rather than crude protein percentage.
• Monitor growth rate, FCR, and immune status since excessive energy without enough protein can lead to excess fat deposition.
• Use feed enzymes (proteases) and consider nitrogen recycling strategies to optimize utilization.

We don't need to rigidly follow the traditional E/P ratio if you're meeting essential amino acid requirements efficiently. The modern approach relies on ideal amino acid profiles and digestible energy balance, reducing excess nitrogen loss while maintaining performance.

Hi Drs. and authors


> Optimizing DEB During Heat Stress
• Increase DEB to 250–300 mEq/kg (some trials suggest up to 350 mEq/kg in extreme heat).
• Reduce NaCl to avoid excess chloride, which can worsen metabolic stress.
• Use Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or Sodium Formate (NaFo) instead of NaCl to provide sodium without increasing Cl? levels.
• Increase Potassium (K?) Sources: Potassium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate can improve heat tolerance.

> Consider Organic Acids & Electrolytes:
• Sodium citrate or potassium citrate help regulate pH and support gut health.
• Betaine can act as an osmoregulator, improving water balance and heat resistance.

> Field Results & Practical Considerations
• Broilers & Layers on high DEB diets during heat stress show improved FCR, lower mortality, and better hydration.
• Trials show that sodium bicarbonate + potassium bicarbonate improves water retention and performance in high-temperature environments.
• Excess sodium sulfate can cause wet litter, so it needs to be used cautiously.

Yes, there have been field experiences and research trials on using sodium formate (NaFo) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) as alternatives to sodium chloride (NaCl) to adjust dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) in poultry diets. Here’s a breakdown based on practical observations and studies:

> Sodium Formate (NaFo) as a NaCl Alternative
• Positive Effects:
• Acts as a sodium source without increasing Cl? levels, helping to maintain a higher DEB.
• Has acidifying properties, which can improve gut health and reduce bacterial challenges.
• Can contribute to better FCR and performance in some cases.
• Challenges:
• May not fully replace NaCl in diets where chloride is already low.
• Needs proper balancing to avoid excessive acidification in the diet.
• Field data show better results in heat-stressed birds due to improved acid-base balance.

> Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4) as a NaCl Alternative
• Positive Effects:
• Provides sodium without chloride, making it useful in low-chloride diets.
• Sulfate (SO4²?) has a mild laxative effect, which might help in certain cases (e.g., constipation or reduced gut motility in high-energy diets).
• Some field trials report improved litter quality due to its effect on gut health.
• Challenges:
• Excessive sulfate levels can cause diarrhea and wet litter problems.
• May require careful balancing with other electrolytes (like potassium and bicarbonates) to avoid metabolic imbalances.

> Practical Field Use & my recommendations:
• NaFo is preferred when improving gut health is also a goal (e.g. in antibiotic-free or heat-stressed poultry).
• Na2SO4 is useful when trying to maintain high DEB without increasing chloride levels but should be used in controlled amounts to prevent litter issues.
• Combination Approach: Some farms have successfully used a mix of NaFo, Na2SO4, and reduced NaCl to fine-tune DEB without causing negative side effects.