Optimizing Broiler Feed Costs with Guanidinoacetic Acid (GAA)

Abstract

Rapid genetic progress in modern broilers has increased growth rates, raising demands for efficient energy metabolism and nutrient utilization. Concurrently, rising feed costs necessitate cost-effective nutritional strategies. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), a creatine precursor, is a promising feed additive due to its role in cellular energy homeostasis. This review evaluates GAA’s biochemical functions, metabolic pathways, and applications in broiler nutrition, focusing on growth performance, feed efficiency, arginine sparing, carcass traits, and economic outcomes. GAA enhances the creatine– phosphocreatine system, improving ATP regeneration and supporting protein synthesis and muscle development. Studies show that GAA supplementation improves body weight gain and feed conversion, particularly under arginine or energy limitations. Its arginine-sparing effect allows more efficient amino acid use and potential reductions in dietary protein and costs. Carcass yield and meat quality also improve. However, GAA efficacy depends on sufficient methyl donors, especially methionine, for conversion to creatine. Overall, GAA supports efficient and sustainable broiler production.