By Graeme Sait

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for Animal Health - Science or Hearsay

One of the most highly regarded US livestock vets has been quoted as suggesting that apple cider vinegar offers the “best bang for the buck of any livestock yield builder”.  I thought we might start the New Year by analysing that claim, and others, to determine the relative value of ACV in animal production.  

ACV has been used for hundreds of years for multiple purposes in livestock management, and the anecdotal evidence is vast and varied. However, the published research has been scant until recent years. Thankfully, a growing body of research is now quantifying many of the anecdotal claims made for this natural supplement.  Let’s look at six of the most commonly claimed benefits and associated research to support them.

1) Enhanced Digestion - ACV is touted as a digestive aid, based on a dual capacity to balance the intestinal pH, while supporting the gut biome of animals and birds. A study by Hossain and Haq was published in 2015 in the Poultry Science Journal. It is entitled, “Effects of apple cider vinegar on growth, blood parameters, gut microbiota, and immune response of broiler chickens." This study reported a marked improvement in gut health and better feed efficiency in chickens dosed with ACV in their drinking water. I might include some suggestions for productive dose rates as we discuss each benefit. The suggested rate for chickens, ducks and turkeys is 1 tablespoon (15 ml) per gallon (4.5 litres) of drinking water.

2) Boosting immunity - the theory here involves the nutrient/microbe synergy found in ACV. This fermented apple juice contains a rich lode of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the benefits of which are further supported by “the Mother”. The Mother is the cloudy, stringy material found in raw, unfiltered, unpasteurised ACV.  It is a collection of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and cellulose that forms naturally during the fermentation process. It is what gives unpasteurized ACV its potential health benefits, including probiotics, enzymes, and acetic acid. This “Mum” is a critically important component of raw ACV, and she develops and improves with age, just like a fine wine. That’s why it is of benefit to seek out long-fermented ACv, and, of course, it must be raw, organic and unpasteurised.

Now, let’s look at any supporting studies.

A paper by Wang et al was published in the journal Aminol Nutrition in 2018. It was entitled "Effects of acetic acid on the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant enzyme activities of weaned pigs."This study concluded that ACV supplementation improved the immune function and antioxidant enzyme activity in weaned pigs. There was enhanced disease resistance with better growth and development, and reduced oxidative stress from enhanced antioxidant activity. This makes sense when we consider that apples have a particularly high ORAC score (a measure of antioxidants), and the untreated juice, which was the building block for ACV, is a concentrate of this goodness.

A second study by Ozturk et al, published in the Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, reported that dairy cows, supplemented with ACV, increased milk production and there was a substantial reduction in mastitis. The study concluded that the immune-enhancing qualities of ACV were largely responsible for these outcomes.

3) Increased feed efficiency and weight gain - Improved digestion and associated nutrient absorption can help livestock make better use of their feed. This, in turn, results in improved growth and productivity. Several studies support this contention.

Another study from The Poultry Science journal looked at the effects of ACV on gut health, egg production and egg shell quality. Gholami et al reported increased egg production, improved shell quality and healthier gut morphology. The researchers demonstrated that ACV enhanced calcium absorption from the feed, which strengthened the egg shells.

A 2016 study by Mohamad et al, in World Rabbit Science, involved ACV supplementation in rabbits relative to feed efficiency and growth. The researchers concluded that ACV could serve as a natural growth promoter in rabbit farming. The supplemented rabbits grew faster and utilised the food more efficiently. There was also a significant improvement in meat quality, including a higher muscle mass and reduced fat content.

4) ACV has natural antibiotic and anti-parasite qualities -  this protective feature is partially based upon the proven, microbe-killing qualities of acetic acid and malic acid found in abundance in ACV. These acids lower intestinal pH, creating a less hospitable environment for unwelcome organisms. They can also damage the cell walls of pathogens and interfere with enzymic processes within these invaders. The probiotic organisms found in the Mother (including Acetobacter and Lactobacillus) can also outcompete pathogens through a process called competitive exclusion. Acetobacter also support the integrity of the gut lining, leading to improved nutrient absorption.

Several studies support this claimed protective capacity.  A study by Khalifa et al, published in the Journal of Dairy Science, explored the impact of ACV on lactating goats. They found that daily supplementation increased milk yield and improved milk composition, including higher fat and protein content. The somatic cell count  (an indicator of mastitis) was substantially lower in ACV-treated animals.

Another study called “Use of apple cider vinegar as a natural anthelmintic in goats” was published in the Journal of Small Ruminant Research. Here, they found that ACV treatment seriously reduced parasite egg counts, and they concluded it had a role as a natural dewormer to help replace the more toxic chemical alternatives. 

A study by El Hag et al found similar protection with sheep. Here, there was reduced parasite load and greater weight gain in the treated animals

There is also evidence that ACV can be effective against lice and mites on poultry and flies on cattle. It is diluted 50/50 with water to treat cattle topically.

There are reports that external applications can also promote a healthy coat and skin, but these are largely anecdotal.

5) Reduced heat stress - this is of particular importance when climate change is creating heat extremes across the globe. The suggestion here is that the rich dose of antioxidants found in ACV can help alleviate the oxidative stress that comes with heatwaves. A study by Tazi et al, called "Effects of apple cider vinegar supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and heat stress in broiler chickens," was published in the  International Journal of Biometeorology in 2020.  The results showed that ACV improved antioxidant status and alleviated the effects of heat stress, leading to better growth performance. The researchers attributed these benefits to ACV’s role in reducing oxidative stress and associated inflammation.

6) Improved meat quality - this is a common claim, but I thought it was just anecdotal. However, I checked and found an important relevant study.  A study by Nishida et al was published in the Animal Science Journal. It was called “The effects of vinegar supplementation on beef cattle”. Cattle fed with ACV showed improved meat quality, including better marbling and fat distribution. The study suggested that vinegar's role in enhancing digestion and metabolic processes might contribute to these improvements in meat characteristics.

Well, that’s quite an impressive package of benefits, and it seems like a good time to talk to you about a new product from Nutrition Farms. We have recently launched our own apple cider vinegar supplement for animals and birds. It’s called MotherLove ACV Livestock Tonic, and it’s made from the nutrient-dense, chemical-free, Happy Apples  grown at Nutrition farms. It is derived from the same blend of four organic apple varieties that is the basis of our award-winning cider, so the flavour and quality are exceptional. However, it is the long fermentation that magnifies the mother and her medicinal gifts. In fact, this is a 2-year ferment, and the mother is both abundant and active. As far as I am aware, this is the only long ferment, unpasteurised, unfiltered, organic ACV produced in Australia, and I’m proud of it.

Our MotherLove ACV Livestock Tonic is available from our web shop at www.nutri-tech.com.au

Suggested application rates include the following:

Beef and dairy cattle can be drenched at 30 mL per animal, or the ACV can be added to drinking water at the rate of 10 mL per animal per day

The rate for goats and sheep is half that rate, and horses require a little more than cattle.

MotherLove can also be used topically, diluted between 1:1 and 1:4 to help manage lice, mites and flies.

ACV can be a cost-effective wellness supplement costing less than a dollar per animal per week.

Value-adding ACV with organic garlic

There have been a series of client requests for us to further boost the benefits of our ACV, with the addition of organic garlic. I decided to research the benefits of this inclusion, and  I was seriously impressed by the potential. Hence, I will take this opportunity to introduce the  latest addition to the NTS Livestock yield building range.

MotherLove ACV  Livestock Tonic with Garlic

The inclusion of organic garlic powder alongside apple cider vinegar (ACV) significantly broadens the functional benefits of the product, delivering synergistic effects across gut health, immunity, parasite management and performance.

The therapeutic dose rate for garlic is 150 grams of garlic per litre of ACV, which is equivalent to 15 grams of freeze-dried organic garlic powder per litre.

This inclusion provides the following well-researched benefits

1. Natural Antimicrobial & Gut Balancing Support

Garlic contains biologically active sulphur compounds (notably allicin) that help suppress undesirable gut microbes while supporting beneficial populations. When paired with ACV, this creates a hostile environment for pathogens without disrupting overall rumen or hindgut function.

Key outcomes:

• Improved microbial balance
• Reduced digestive upsets
• Better feed utilisation

 2. Parasite & Fly Pressure Reduction (Supportive Strategy)

Garlic is widely recognised for its role in reducing internal parasite burden and deterring flies and biting insects. While not a chemical drench, it supports integrated parasite management by making the animal less attractive to pests.

Key outcomes:

• Reduced fly strike and insect irritation
• Supportive control of internal parasites
• Improved animal comfort and grazing behaviour

3. Immune System Stimulation

Garlic enhances innate immune responses, particularly macrophage and white blood cell activity. This is especially valuable during stress periods such as weaning, transport, calving/lambing or seasonal transitions.

Key outcomes:

• Improved disease resilience
• Faster recovery from stress events
• Reduced reliance on interventions

 4. Circulatory & Metabolic Benefits

Garlic supports healthy blood flow and oxygen delivery, which can positively influence stamina, metabolic efficiency and overall vitality.

Key outcomes:

• Enhanced nutrient and oxygen transport
• Improved performance and vitality
• Support for cardiovascular health

5. Synergy with Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV enhances mineral solubility and digestive efficiency, while garlic provides antimicrobial, immune and antiparasitic support. Together, they function as a whole-system tonic rather than a single-purpose additive.

Combined benefits include:

• Improved mineral uptake
• Better rumen and gut function
• Enhanced resilience to environmental and biological stressors

 6. Production & Behavioural Benefits

Producers often report improved appetite, calmer stock and more consistent performance when garlic is included at appropriate rates.

Observed outcomes:

• Improved feed intake
• Better coat condition
• Calmer stock behaviour

In conclusion…

ACV is a time-honoured animal supplement with a range of proven benefits. The addition of organic garlic powder transforms our ACV product from a powerhouse digestive aid into a broad-spectrum livestock health tonic, supporting gut balance, immunity, parasite management and overall resilience — naturally and sustainably.

Wishing you all the best of the summer season, and may your Nutrition Farming journey continue to prove rewarding.

Warm regards

Graeme

MotherLove™ Apple Cider Vinegar Livestock Tonic

Naturally Support Animal Health from the Inside Out

Our Apple Cider Vinegar Livestock Tonic is a powerful, all-natural supplement designed to promote better digestion, immunity, and overall well-being in your animals. Made from raw, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother,” this tonic brings traditional farm wisdom into modern animal care.

Key Benefits:

• Improves digestion and gut health
• Boosts immune function naturally
• Enhances nutrient absorption and feed efficiency
• Promotes healthy coats, hooves, and respiratory function
• May help reduce parasite load and maintain pH balance

Stock Saver Vet™

Stock Saver Vet™ is a humic and fulvic acid based multi-function tonic offering proactive stock health.

Features fulvic and humic acids derived from ancient plant matter. Fulvic acid is an electrolyte, which can maintain cellular balance. Humic acid can maintain optimum digestive health.

Product Benefits

• Australian Certified Organic (ACO) Registered Product 456AI.
• Convenient additive to stock food.
• Nutritional supplement to maintain health.
• Supports general health, vitality and digestion.

 To order or learn more, call NTS on (07) 5472 9900 or email sales@nutri-tech.com.au.

Certificate in Nutrition Farming

Our next iconic, five-day Certificate in Nutrition Farming® course is scheduled for Monday, 23rd  - 27th March 2026.

Our last course was attended by growers and consultants from six countries. It was a wonderful learning opportunity where attendees enjoyed a wealth of education and inspiration from both our presenters and their fellow attendees. We only accept 40 bookings for these courses, so please register if you would like to attend.