Productive responses and nitrogen balance in broilers fed with humic substances in the drinking water

Humic substances obtained from vermicompost are an option to improve productivity and reduce ammonia emissions in broiler houses. The objective of the study was to evaluate the addition of 20% raw (RWL) or pasteurized (PWL) vermicompost leachate in the drinking water on production and carcass variables, broiler and litter chemical composition and gain, and nitrogen retention and losses in broilers from 21 to 45 days of age. A conventional diet supplemented with antibiotic growth promoters was offered throughout the experiment. Results indicate that breast performance was improved (P < 0.05) in broilers fed 20 % PWL in the drinking water compared to broilers that drank the RWL or water alone. The addition of 20 % RWL or PWL did not improve nutrient retention in chicks or litter or nitrogen balance or losses in 21- to 45-day-old chicks. PWL can be added to broiler drinking water to improve breast performance.