Article
14 April 2025
Animal Feed
In the dynamic field of animal husbandry, maintaining optimal livestock health and maximizing productivity are key to sustainable farming. One essential component contributing to these goals is ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C. Though traditionally recognized for its role in human nutrition, ascorbic acid plays a vital role in livestock well-being and has become increasingly prominent in modern animal nutrition strategies.
Sri Lanka's livestock sector, including dairy, poultry, and swine, is growing in importance for food security and rural economic development. As such, efficient and sustainable nutritional solutions are in high demand. Ascorbic acid, with its potent antioxidant and physiological functions, provides a valuable tool for enhancing animal health, particularly under tropical conditions that impose heat stress and disease challenges.
This article explores the multifaceted roles of ascorbic acid in livestock production, from its physiological benefits to practical applications in feed. With a focus on trends, technologies, and implications for Sri Lanka, we highlight how this essential nutrient contributes to animal performance, immune resilience, and farm profitability.
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that functions primarily as a co-factor in various enzymatic reactions and as a powerful antioxidant. While most livestock species can synthesize ascorbic acid endogenously, environmental stressors, diseases, and certain life stages can lead to a deficiency or increased requirement.
In poultry, for instance, ascorbic acid supports eggshell formation, bone development, and immune system modulation. In pigs and cattle, it helps combat oxidative stress, especially during transportation, weaning, or environmental extremes. This is particularly relevant in Sri Lanka, where high humidity and temperatures place added physiological demands on animals.
Moreover, ascorbic acid supports collagen synthesis, wound healing, and iron absorption, which are crucial for growth and development. These biological functions translate into better feed efficiency, weight gain, and reproductive outcomes, directly impacting productivity.
In disease prevention, ascorbic acid boosts immune responses by enhancing phagocytic activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production. As such, it reduces the severity and duration of infections, lowers mortality rates, and improves overall herd health.
Incorporating ascorbic acid into animal feed can be done via premixes, supplements, or as part of fortified feed formulations. Feed-grade ascorbic acid is available in various forms, including coated and stabilized variants that improve shelf life and bioavailability under tropical conditions.
For poultry, recommended doses range between 150-300 mg/kg of feed, depending on the stage of growth or production. During periods of stress such as vaccination, transportation, or heat exposure higher doses may be beneficial. In swine, inclusion rates of 250-500 mg/kg are typical, while in cattle, oral supplementation is often practiced through boluses or water-soluble powders.
Sri Lankan livestock producers have reported improvements in growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and egg production when supplementing with ascorbic acid. Moreover, it reduces reliance on antibiotics by enhancing disease resistance, supporting a shift toward more natural and sustainable production methods.
Effective application also considers storage and stability. High ambient temperatures can degrade ascorbic acid, so stabilized forms and proper feed handling are crucial. Feed manufacturers in Sri Lanka are increasingly adopting encapsulated formulations to preserve potency and ensure consistent delivery.
Tropical climates like Sri Lanka's present significant thermal stress challenges for livestock. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures disrupts metabolic balance, reduces feed intake, and compromises reproductive performance. Ascorbic acid has been shown to mitigate these effects by regulating stress-related hormones and promoting thermal tolerance.
In broilers, supplementation with ascorbic acid improves feathering, reduces mortality, and stabilizes body temperature during heat waves. Similarly, dairy cows show improved milk yield and reduced somatic cell counts when receiving vitamin C during hot weather. Swine also benefit from better growth performance and lower stress indicators.
Ascorbic acid modulates cortisol secretion, the hormone associated with stress response. By minimizing excessive cortisol levels, animals maintain better appetite, metabolic efficiency, and immune function. This leads to consistent growth and higher survivability rates.
In Sri Lanka's rural areas, where traditional cooling infrastructure may be limited, using dietary interventions like ascorbic acid becomes a practical and low-cost solution to improving animal resilience and reducing economic losses during hot seasons.
A robust immune system is essential for maintaining animal health and minimizing the use of therapeutic antibiotics. Ascorbic acid supports both innate and adaptive immunity. It stimulates white blood cell function, antibody production, and acts as a barrier against pathogens.
In poultry, it enhances resistance to common diseases such as Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease. Studies have demonstrated faster recovery times and reduced morbidity when birds receive consistent vitamin C supplementation. In swine, it supports the immune system during farrowing and weaning critical periods of vulnerability.
In ruminants, especially young calves, ascorbic acid supplementation improves resistance to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. This is particularly valuable in intensive dairy systems emerging in Sri Lanka, where herd health management is a priority.
The antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid also reduce the oxidative burden caused by infections or inflammation. By neutralizing free radicals, it helps prevent cellular damage and supports tissue repair, accelerating recovery and reducing downtime in production.
Ascorbic acid supplementation has clear economic implications. Improved animal growth rates, better feed efficiency, and lower disease incidence translate into higher profitability for farmers. This is critical in Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape, where livestock represents a key income source for smallholders.
Cost-benefit analyses show that investing in vitamin C feed additives results in higher returns, particularly when targeting periods of high stress or disease risk. Reduced medication costs and improved animal performance strengthen the bottom line.
Governmental and NGO-led agricultural development programs in Sri Lanka are increasingly promoting improved feeding practices, including the use of micronutrients like ascorbic acid. This aligns with national strategies for food security, rural development, and sustainable farming.
By adopting ascorbic acid as part of an integrated nutrition plan, farmers can also meet the growing demand for high-quality, antibiotic-free animal products. This opens opportunities in export markets and strengthens domestic consumer confidence.
Ongoing research is exploring innovative delivery systems for ascorbic acid in livestock, including nano-formulations and synergistic blends with other vitamins or minerals. These approaches aim to improve absorption, reduce degradation, and enhance physiological effects.
In Sri Lanka, partnerships between universities, veterinary institutions, and feed manufacturers are driving field trials and formulation optimization. Locally adapted products that address specific climate and species needs are expected to become more available.
Digital technologies such as precision feeding and real-time animal health monitoring can further improve the targeted use of ascorbic acid. These tools help optimize dosage, reduce waste, and personalize supplementation for maximum impact.
With climate change expected to intensify environmental stressors, the role of ascorbic acid in future livestock resilience strategies will become even more critical. Emphasizing its inclusion in policy and practice ensures that Sri Lankan farmers are equipped to face evolving challenges.
Ascorbic acid offers multifaceted benefits in improving livestock health, performance, and sustainability. From reducing heat stress and boosting immunity to supporting growth and economic gains, its role is increasingly recognized in Sri Lanka's animal production sector.
By integrating ascorbic acid into feed strategies, farmers can achieve higher productivity, better animal welfare, and greater resilience against disease and climate stress. Continued research, innovation, and policy support will help unlock its full potential and drive progress in livestock farming across the country. If you are interested in our products for your specific business needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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