Humic Substances as a Feed Supplement and the Benefits of Produced Chicken Meat

Abstract

Humic substances with a high proportion of humic acids (more than 40%) have been classified by the European Commission as feed materials that can be used in animal nutrition since 2013. A protective effect on the intestinal mucosa, as well as anti-inflammatory, adsorptive and antimicrobial properties, were recorded. Nutrient absorption, nutritional status and the immune response in chickens supplemented with HSs were significantly improved. HSs have the ability to enhance protein digestion as well as the utilization of calcium and trace elements. They are known to improve feed digestibility as a result of maintaining an optimal pH in the gut, leading to lower levels of nitrogen excretion and less odor in the husbandry environment. HSs not only increase digestibility and result in greater utilization of the feed ration but also improve the overall quality of the meat produced. They increase the protein content and reduce the fat content in breast muscles. They also contribute to improving the sensory characteristics of the meat produced. Their antioxidant properties improve the oxidative stability of meat during storage. The influence of HSs on fatty acid composition may be one of the reasons that meat has a more beneficial effect on the health of consumers.

Efficacy of water application of a humic substance, butyric acid, vitamins C, D, and E and/or electrolytes on performance and mortality in health-challenged nursery pigs¹

“…A final mode of action of how HV could improve animal resiliency in the face of stressors could involve oxidative stress. Marcinčák et al (2023) observed that an added humic substance improved the oxidative stability of meat during storage, especially meat with higher fat content. Work from Dyomshyna et al (2023) reported that adding a humic substance to the water of gerbils increased the activity of catalase, an antioxidant enzyme, and decreased malonic dialdehyde, a prooxidant in liver mitochondria.…”

The impact of the addition of humic substances on growth efficiency, excretion parameters and fecal microbiota in piglets

“…For many reasons, humic substances (HS) attract the increased attention of scientists. Depending on the region of occurrence, heterogeneous macromolecular structures and compositions of HS may change (Marcinčák et al, 2023). Because of their disparate origins and natures, as well as the fact that their bio-effects vary depending on specification, it is therefore challenging to compare the real effects of HS preparations.…”

“…Feed additives are currently successfully and widely applied in animal nutrition. The biological and chemical breakdown of plant biomass by microbes results in the formation of humic substances (HS), which are naturally occurring organic bioactive compounds present in soil (Marcinčák et al, 2023). These organic residues, which contain humic and fulvic acids, are made up of decomposing organic materials.…”

Formation and Detection of Gizzerosine in Animal Feed Matrices: Progress and Perspectives

“…12 Thus, animal feed safety is an important cornerstone of food safety. 13 Fish meal is used as an addition to animal feed, owing to its balanced amino acid composition, high calcium and phosphorus contents, and rich nutrition. 14,15 The improper processing and storage of fish meal results in the microbial fermentation of proteins and high levels of biogenic amines.…”