Humic Acid: An Alternative to Antibiotics in Broilers

Abstract

The increasing demand for safe and sustainable poultry production has accelerated the search for natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Humic acid, a major component of humic substances formed through the decomposition of organic matter, has gained attention for its multifunctional role in poultry nutrition. Dietary supplementation of humic acid improves gut health by enhancing intestinal barrier function for binding pathogens and toxins, and promoting nutrient absorption. It also exhibits strong antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging, metal chelation, and stimulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing oxidative stress and improving meat quality. Studies consistently report positive effects of humic acid on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, immune response, gut microbial balance, and economic efficiency in broiler chickens, with optimal responses observed at moderate inclusion levels. Overall, humic acid represents a cost-effective and promising natural feed additive for antibiotic-free poultry production. However, further research is required to elucidate its metabolic mechanisms, evaluate its performance under diverse climatic conditions, and develop standardized commercial formulations for poultry feeds.