Effects of humic substances supplementation provided through drinking water on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of broilers

Abstract

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of different doses of humic substances (HS) in waterer pan on broiler performances and meat quality. For the trial, 480 chicks (ROSS 308) were allocated into four groups (HS0, HS150, HS300 and HS450) of 120 equally mixed-sex birds, each receiving a drinking water supplemented with 0, 150, 300 and 450 ppm of a humic acid (provided by 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% of HS, v/v) respectively. At the age of 21 and 42 days, feed consumption and live weight were taken. At the age of 42 days, 16 birds per treatment were slaughtered, dressing percentages, digestive tract traits were evaluated and samples of breast (pectoralis major) and thigh (iliotibialis) meat were taken to evaluate the changes in colour characteristics (CIE L*, a* and b*) and chemical composition. The body weight gain increased by the HS300 in relation to the HS0 and HS450, and decreased by the HS450 in relation to the HS0. The feed consumption of birds in the HS450 and feed efficiency of birds in the HS300 were lower and higher than those in the other treatments respectively. The carcass weight of broilers in the HS150 and HS300 were higher than those of in the HS0 and HS450. The carcass weight decreased by the HS450 in relation to the other treatments. The dressing percentage increased by the HS150 in relation to the HS450. The HS450 resulted in breast and thigh meat colour that were lighter than those found in the HS0 birds. The HS450 increased fat content of thigh meat in relation to the HS0. It was concluded that the humic acid supplementation at 300 ppm and 450 ppm appears to have a measurable impact on live performance improving feed efficiency and lightness of breast and thigh meat colours in broilers respectively.

The effect of the humic acid and garlic (Allium sativum L.) on performance parameters and carcass characteristic of broiler chicken

“…v pokusných skupín bola vyššia, avšak nebol zaznamenaný štatisticky významný rozdiel (P≥0,05) v porovnaní ku kontrolnej skupine. Podobne ako výsledky mnohých vedcov (Ozturk et al, 2010, Stanacév et al, 2011, Nagaraju et al 2014) aj výsledky tohto experimentu naznačujú, že humínové kyseliny, či už v čistej forme alebo v kombinácii s inými rastlinnými doplnkami by mohli byť jednou z alternatívnych náhrad kŕmnych antibiotík.…”

“…Humic acids are the most active substances with antioxidant effect (Vašková et al, 2011). Humic acids have a positive impact on meat quality, increasing weight gains and improve the immune system of broiler chickens (Ozturk et al, 2010;Nagaraju et al, 2014). The other alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters are phytogenic feed additives (Puvača, 2015).…”

Humic acid and enzymes in canola-based broiler diets: Effects on bone development, intestinal histomorphology and immune development

“…The inclusion of exogenous enzymes in poor nutrient sources may ensure effective release and assimilation of nutrients and minerals in the gut, stimulating efficient nutrient utilization and, more importantly, promoting active bone growth (Ozturk et al, 2010;Kim et al, 2017). On the other hand, organic acids, including humic acids, have variable physical and chemical properties that allow them to influence gastronomic functions of feed in poultry.…”

Effects of Humic Acids on Recovery of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis

“…It has also been suggested that responses to alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters may be greater in a more challenging environment (Ozturk et al, 2010(Ozturk et al, , 2012 b Mineral premix supplied the following per kg: manganese, 120 g; zinc, 100 g; iron, 120 g; copper, 10-15 g; iodine, 0.7 g; selenium, 0.4 g; and cobalt, 0.2 g (Nutra Blend LLC, Neosho, MO 64850).…”