THE EFFECT OF DIETARY LAURIC ACID FROM DISTILLED PALM KERNEL FATTY ACID ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL HOMEOSTASIS OF BROILER CHICKENS

• Dr. Rehanth S. Malvodi

  Department of Animal Nutrition, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India

  Author

As the global poultry industry pivots away from its long-standing reliance on antibiotic growth promoters, the scientific community and farmers alike are on an urgent quest for safe, effective, and natural alternatives. This study focuses on one of the most promising candidates: lauric acid, a natural medium-chain fatty acid derived from Distilled Palm Kernel Fatty Acid (DPKFA). While its benefits for growth and gut health are becoming known, a critical question remained: does it place any hidden stress on the birds' systems? Our investigation was designed to answer this question comprehensively. We closely monitored the core physiological signs of well-being in broiler chickens—including core body temperature (rectal), peripheral temperatures of key heat-dissipating organs (shank and comb), as well as respiratory and heart rates. Over a 35-day trial, we fed chickens diets with varying levels of lauric acid. The results were unequivocally clear and consistent: the chickens that consumed lauric acid were just as calm, cool, and healthy as those on a standard diet. Their body temperatures, heart rates, and breathing rates remained completely normal and stable, showing no signs of fever, thermal stress, or cardiovascular strain. This robust set of findings tells us that lauric acid from DPKFA is a remarkably gentle and stress-free addition to broiler feed, solidifying its position as a leading candidate to support poultry health and productivity in the modern, antibiotic-free era of farming.

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