Cider vinegar and babies.

[CHARLTON34]

Trying to keep the crop acid levels lower to help restrict any bad bacteria forming & so helps by lowering the level that inhibits this.
Anything that's above 4.5 probably isn't what you ideally want long term for crop & gut health.

[Diamond Dave]

Hey guys, not wishing to be controvertial but it seems to me that if there were any benefits to a lower ph surely the water companies would lower it.
I have just asked AI what are the health benefits of lowering the ph balance of tap water.- it seems that there are none and the only benefits are for the cleansing of washing machines plumbing and keeping pipes clean etc.
I also asked if there are any benefits to a higher ph level and it seems there are more benefits associated with a higher ph level but with the optimum level being neutral around 6 - to 7.5.......?

[Diamond Dave]

Google or A1 poultry not humans think there say around 4.5-5 ideal

Neil. done that and this is an extract from a poultry expert

[Diamond Dave]

Ah, sorry Neil I am not trying to prove you guys wrong.
Far be it for me to even attempt to argue with you or even question your record.
I know what some of these self professed experts are like and when it comes to the pigeons they know feck all about racing and that ppl like you Ant n Mike know much more and I wouldnt dream of questioning your advice.
However, If I dont understand things, I do still like to look into them for myself and I sincerely hope I havent offended you in doing so.
Atb mate.

[king]

Don’t agree at all mate
Lots of benefit to poultry

Pigeons are NOT Poultry. The MAIN benefit to the Poultry industry is MONEY.
The lowering of the ph
Pathogen Control: Harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter thrive in neutral to alkaline environments (pH above 7). Lowering the water pH to a range of 3.8 to 4.5 creates a hostile environment that suppresses these pathogens in both the water lines and the bird's digestive tract.
Enhanced Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: A lower pH activates critical digestive enzymes like pepsin, which is essential for breaking down proteins. This leads to better nutrient utilization and improved Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR), meaning birds gain more weight on less feed.
Improved Water Sanitation: Many sanitizers, particularly chlorine, are more effective at a lower pH. In alkaline water (pH above 7), chlorine stays in a less active form; lowering the pH to 6.0–7.0 ensures it converts to hypochlorous acid, which is significantly more potent at killing bacteria.
Maintenance of Equipment: High-pH water often indicates "hard" water rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which lead to limescale and biofilm buildup in drinker lines. Acidifying the water helps keep these minerals suspended, preventing clogs and reducing the growth of pathogens within the pipes.
Litter Quality and Ammonia Reduction: Lowering the pH of the birds' waste (and consequently the litter) helps keep ammonia bound in the bedding. This reduces harmful ammonia gases in the poultry house, leading to better air quality and fewer foot-pad lesions.

As can be seen much of the above is MONEY saving pure and simple. 99% of poultry are dead within a year of their birth, so what saves money is adopted.

The optimal pH range for most wildlife is 6.5 to 8.5
Most living organisms, especially aquatic life, function at the optimal pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.
Most birds guts have a LOW ph level Naturally. Poultry it's between 2.0 and 3.5.
A pigeon's gut pH varies by section but is generally acidic, ranging from roughly 4.8 to 6.5 in healthy birds. The environment becomes increasingly less acidic as you move from the stomach toward the lower intestine

If drinking water with a low ph was best for man and wildlife. Mother Nature would have provided it.

The "best" natural drinking water typically has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. This range is recommended by health organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO)

Many premium natural spring and artesian waters fall into the slightly alkaline category, which many consumers prefer for its "smooth" taste.
Alkaline Spring Water: pH 10.0 (The highest naturally sourced spring water).
Flow Alkaline Spring Water: pH 8.1.
Fiji Water: pH 7.7.
Evian: pH 7.2.
Volvic: pH 7.0.
Highland Spring: pH 7.8.

Health and Hydration: While some claim alkaline water (pH 8–9) offers superior hydration or anti-aging benefits, scientific evidence remains limited. Most experts agree that the human body effectively regulates its own internal pH (around 7.4) regardless of the water consumed.
Taste: Water with a pH near 7.4 is often described as "smooth" because it matches the pH of human fluids and the mouth. Acidic water (below 6.5) can taste metallic or sour, while highly alkaline water (above 8.5) may taste bitter or feel "slippery".
Safety: Natural water with a pH below 6.5 is more likely to be contaminated or corrosive, potentially leaching heavy metals like lead from plumbing into the water supply.

[Anthony webster]

I don't care if lads lower the ph or nor ,
It won't make any one a instant winner ,for me it's about adding all the 1s together correctly because then when you add everything together correctly then you start getting better performances not single performance team performances,
If I mention something it's tried and tested not searched on Google,,on Google u see different sites saying barley is no good for racing pigeons yet I know and many others know its golden and no1 seed ,
U can lower pH kill fungi on food at same time or feed straight food water from tap ,
It honestly don't matter but let ya eyes be the guide not Google search ,,

[Diamond Dave]

Thankyou gents. Looks like th3 camp is divided on that one.
So, if we can put the ph to one side for a minute are there any other medicinal benefits that you guys know of that cider vinegar with the mother offers our birds.