Introduce
In the field of animal nutrition, with the use of growth-promoting technologies in livestock production, it is increasingly important to explore feed additives that can replace antibiotics. Humic acid is one of the cheapest organic acids and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in ruminant diets. But what exactly is humic acid? How does it work as a feed additive? Read below to learn about the role of humic acid as a feed additive.
What is humic acid
Humic acid is a natural organic substance derived from the decomposition of organic matter in soil, peat, weathered lignite, and other natural sources. This complex mixture of molecules is rich in fulvic acid and humic substances.
The sodium humate in the humic acid product is a concentrated water-soluble feed-grade sodium sulfate obtained by alkali extraction of a highly oxidized lignite source and is in the form of crystalline granules. It can be fed to livestock (pigs, poultry, and cattle) or used as a drinking water additive to stimulate the immune system. Stabilizes intestinal flora by fixing toxins and harmful substances in animal feed and forming a protective film on the gastrointestinal mucosal surface. The animal’s appetite will also increase, thereby increasing feed intake. Humicfed by KHUMIC（https://fulvicmax.com/） improves feed conversion and ultimately promotes weight gain.
Advantages of Humic Acid Feed Additive in Animal Husbandry
Humic acid has multiple mechanisms, and humus-based feed additives have been certified and applied in many countries. It helps exert its beneficial effects when included in an animal’s diet. From improving nutrient absorption and intestinal health to enhancing immune function and reducing oxidative stress, humic acid plays a multifaceted role in promoting animal welfare.
1. Improve nutrient utilization efficiency
Humic acid as a feed additive can improve the nutrient utilization of animals. By promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal flora, improving feed conversion efficiency, and improving the bioavailability of nutrients, it helps animals get the most nutrients from their diet, which can reduce nutrient losses by 20-30% and feed consumption by 10-20%.
Sodium humate additive also helps improve the flavor of meat and dairy products. It relieves the stress caused by industrial conditions of livestock management for cattle, strengthens hair, enhances agility and appetite, and promotes rapid and healthy growth of animals.
2. Protect intestinal health
Sodium humate additive helps prevent and treat gastrointestinal diseases, regulates intestinal pH and intestinal microbiota, and enhances the activity of digestive enzymes. Thereby improving ruminal digestion and ruminant performance. Furthermore, the addition of humic acid to beef heifer diets may advantageously increase nitrogen retention and crude protein digestibility and reduce fecal nitrogen excretion.
For example, humic acid has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and enterococci; therefore, it can replace zinc bacitracin in protecting animals against necrotizing enteritis. In addition, humic acid substances increase total solids, milk energy, fat, protein, and lactose in milk.
3. Enhance immune function
The use of sodium humate as feed in animal feeding has proven long-term benefits. They were used in the form of peat until the 1950s and 1960s. Sodium humate coats the mucous membranes and binds toxins and microorganisms, which are then excreted from the body. By stimulating immune responses, reducing inflammation, and fighting pathogenic microorganisms, humic acids can help animals build strong defenses against disease, thereby enhancing their ability to recover.
In dairy cows, humic acid supplementation increases eosinophil levels and neutrophil activity, thereby protecting individual animals from bacterial pathogens and reducing mortality from acute bacterial infections. Adding humic acid to carp feed can effectively resist the virulence of Aeromonas hydrophila infection and enhance non-specific immune responses.
Humic Acid Feed Additive Application Results:
Adding humic agents to mixed feed, drinking water, premises, or polymers is the most practical method. As an effective humic preparation, it can be mixed with mineral feed additives or drinking water.
Pig:
- Reduces the risk of weaning and prepartum diarrhea due to feed changes and restructuring.
- Improve feed conversion ratio for weight gain
- Reduce ammonia emissions and odor
- Increase milk production and sow reproductive rate
Poultry:
- Reduces susceptibility to stress in broiler chickens and turkeys
- Improve immunity and promote growth
- Improve feed conversion rate
- Reduce ammonia emissions and odor
Ox:
- Reduces the risk of diarrhea in the first month and increases calf vitality
- Reduces the risk of mastitis and high somatic cell counts in dairy cows.
- Improve feed conversion rate
- Reduce ammonia emissions and odor
Conclusion
The versatility of humic acid as a feed additives extends beyond specific species, making it a valuable resource for multiple livestock categories. How does humic acid benefit different animal species, from poultry to livestock? Whether improving egg quality in poultry, increasing milk production in dairy cows, or improving weight gain in livestock, humic acid can provide a wide range of benefits based on the unique needs of various animal species.
FAQs
Is humic acid safe for animals as a feed additive?
Numerous independent studies have shown and proven that humic acid supplements are healthy for animals. Adding HA as a dietary supplement through drinking water or diet increases the digestibility of the feed consumed. It stabilizes the intestinal flora, ensuring improved nutrient utilization in animal feed. This increases the animal’s weight without the need to increase the amount of feed the animal receives.
Can humic acid replace other additives in animal diets, or is it more beneficial when combined with existing supplements?
In animal diets, humic acid can complement existing supplements by improving the availability of nutrients in feed. It may also help reduce the negative effects of mycotoxins and other harmful substances in your diet. While humic acid has advantages on its own, it is often combined with other additives or supplements to further enhance its effects.
What is humic acid in animal feed?
The humic acid in feed additives is also called sodium humate. As a natural and organic supplement for ruminants, it has a variety of beneficial effects. The performance of ruminants can be improved by increasing the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio.