Have You Heard Of Humic Acid?

By Bobby Deeds Wildlife Specialist Record Rack

It seems every year there is a new product or additive that falls under what I call the “silver bullet” category. Most of these miracle cures are typically marketed toward helping with CWD, EHD or improving antler production beyond imagination. In my experience, most of these silver bullets get debunked over time due to not showing enough response to warrant the cost of the “silver”. These additives are usually nonmedicated nutraceutical or natural additives that have often shown promise in other species when it comes to nutritional performance. Tangents are typically drawn to whitetail and responses warranted are often not supported by any significant data though. With that being said, when I was first approached about possibly finding a source of Humic Acid (HA) to put in deer feed, you can say I was skeptical at best and assumed it was simply the next “silver bullet”.

To my surprise, the more I looked into HA and talked to breeders that have used it, the more intrigued I have become when it comes to this additive. HA is nothing new, it has been around for a long time and used throughout the agriculture industry. HA has been well documented in nutritional trials particularly on the beef and dairy side of the fence and shown to improve microbial function in the rumen and digestive tract of cattle. This in turn positively influences the productivity and the quality of their production. What really makes HA appealing is that natural organic additives are typically a better alternative to antibiotics. Quantifying performance of these types of “natural” additives is where it gets fuzzy though when it comes to whitetail deer.

What we know: HA is a long-chain molecule high in molecular weight, dark brown and soluble in an alkali solution [Stevenson, 1982]. HA is used in ruminant diets because it improves microbial production leading to improved energy provided to the animal. This possibly leads to other health benefits like improved digestion and feed utilization, which should also improve growth, and immune system function. Humic acid also has absorptive and detoxifying properties [Trckova et al. 2005].

Now what we don’t know: Due to the detoxifying properties of HA, some deer breeders believe that it may work to denature the CWD prion when provided in certain concentrations in the diet of whitetail deer. While it is my sincere hope that this is ultimately true, I have seen no significant data to prove that this response is guaranteed outside of a petri dish. Other downstream responses noted by breeders that have used this additive are improved feed utilization, and immune response improvement. Most notably mentioned were decreased incidence of respiratory and other bacterial complications that are typically common with whitetail deer in captivity. Other response noted was improved body condition and overall appearance of the deer. Based on what we know about this additive, the body condition and appearance piece holds true with what has been proven as major improvements in microbial production and function in ruminants typically exhibit these types of positive feed performance responses.

The source of HA has also been a grey area as different sources will have different concentrations of HA, so a standard inclusion really depends on the concentration of HA which will most likely vary from one batch to the next on sources that are not approved feed ingredients. Although not mentioned, I believe different sources could also affect palatability particularly with whitetail deer. In my experience subtle changes even with micro ingredients can knock deer off feed and ingredient consistency is crucial when it comes to maintaining intake. Some breeders adding this to their ration are using sources that are not approved animal feed ingredients which I do not recommend. There are commercially approved feed ingredients that have concentrated levels of HA that I recommend be used in order to see any results replicated and not see antagonistic issues with contaminants or other minerals.

So what do I recommend? The upside is too good not to try it in my opinion. We know we should see a positive microbial response which would translate to improved feed efficiency, nitrogen retention, starch digestibility and hopefully immunity. Record Rack has identified a proprietary additive that is a concentrated source of HA and have added it to our Stress Pack at the recommended inclusion rate. The Stress Pack is currently available in Texas to add to any of our rations in minimum run bulk or bag quantities for breeders that want HA in their feed. Its important to remember that this pack isn’t just HA, it also provides other probiotics and improves levels and absorption of Vit A,C,D and E all at a relatively low price tag.

Will this cure CWD and eliminate all bacterial challenges we see in deer pens? Most likely not, as there is no way to ensure that outside of putting deer in a bubble. Could it mitigate bacterial challenges and possibly have CWD or EHD implications? Again I sincerely hope this is the case, but further trials and more deer on feed will be needed tell the tale. I do believe this additive is a viable additive that could improve feed performance if more is warranted or if you are really pushing the energy threshold in your pens. Further research will definitely be required to uncover any particular epizootic guarantees and believe base ration formulation, management practices, stress levels and pen dynamics will all play a major role in response seen.

You have to love being where we are in the industry nutritionally as we learn something big every year it seems. In my opinion, if you are not working with a nutritionist to improve your nutritional program every year, you are most likely already behind. Is HA the next big thing? We will see. u

Thanks, Bobby Deeds Wildlife Specialist Record Rack

Stevenson F.J., 1982 – Humus Chemistry: Genesis, Composition, Reactions. 1st edn. Wiley. New York, USA Trckova M., Matlova L., Hudcova H., Faldyna M., Zraly Z., Dvorska L., Beran V., Pavl ýk I., 2005 – Peat as a feed supplement for animals: a review. Vet. Med. – Czech, 50(8): 361–377.