Pakistan Journal of Nutrition
1680-5194
1994-7984
Asian Network for Scientific Information
10.3923/pjn.2005.126.134
Islam
K.M. S.
Schumacher
A.
Gropp
J. M.
3
2005
4
3
Humic acids (HA), a class
of compounds resulting from decomposition of organic matter, particularly
plants are natural constituents of drinking water, soil and lignite.
It inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, thus decrease levels of mycotoxins
in feed. Stress management, immune system, anti-inflamatory activity,
antiviral properties as well as prevention of intestinal diseases, mainly
diarrhoea in humans and animals are described as its beneficial effect.
The use of HA and related products in feed improved gut health for better
nutrient utilization as well as improved the health status by working
against pathogens by developing immunity. Routine use of HA in feed
improved growth of broilers by increasing digestion of protein and trace
element utilization but a few researches has been conducted in this
area. However, also contradictory findings in piglets are described.
Most of the literature found is from companies but scientific articles
are rather limited. There are also strong limitations in the knowledge
of HA uses as feed additive for growth of other species of animal. It
is really difficult to compare the actual effects of HA preparations
due to different sources and nature as well as because rearing of animal
in different region of the world varies as climatic conditions and aspects.
So, bio-effect of HA product depends on specification.]]>