Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a critical concern in modern livestock production, prompting the need for evidence-based, functional feed solutions that support gut health and reduce reliance on antibiotics. The gastrointestinal tract plays a pivotal role in maintaining immune competence, nutrient utilization, and growth performance.
Hankkija FFI focuses on developing functional feed additives that align with the One Health approach by improving animal resilience through targeted nutritional strategies. The ProHumi® concept represents the latest addition to this portfolio: a peat-based solution designed to support gut integrity, microbial balance, and animal wellbeing through the synergistic action of prebiotic fibers and humic substances. Tailored for practical use in both feed and enrichment applications, ProHumi® offers a natural and scientifically validated tool for producers seeking to enhance performance while advancing sustainable, antibiotic-reducing production practices
ProHumi® – a natural concept supporting gut function, animal performance and welfare
ProHumi® is an innovative feed concept developed for modern production needs. It targets gut support, microbial balance, and overall animal performance through a synergistic combination of humic substances and prebiotic fibers. It represents new generation of functional feed materials and enrichment solutions derived from natural ingredients
Hankkija created ProHumi® in collaboration with Neova Oy using carefully selected peat. This peat contains naturally high levels of humic acids and undergoes hygienization above 81°C to ensure microbiological safety. As a result, ProHumi® fits well into practical feeding programs and One Health-aligned production systems.
Dual-form concept for flexible use
The ProHumi® product family includes two complementary solutions:
- ProHumi® (meal form):
A fine-textured, free-flowing feed material designed for mixing into piglet and broiler diets. It delivers both prebiotic fiber and humic substances to promote microbial balance and gut integrity. - ProHumi® Farm (pelleted form):
A pelleted enrichment material for pigs of all stages. It stimulates foraging behavior and simultaneously supports gut function through its active compounds.
Both products integrate easily into existing feeding or enrichment protocols. Thus, they provide a versatile way to improve gut support and livestock productivity.
Scientific foundation for gut wellbeing and performance
The development of ProHumi® concept is based on a wealth of scientific literature regarding peat’s properties and its effects in animal feeding. After evaluating research findings, laboratory analyses, gut simulation models, and feeding trials, a specific type of peat was selected for its high content of prebiotic fibers and humic acids.
Humic substances, such as fulvic and humic acids, are formed as sphagnum moss and other plant matter slowly decompose. ProHumi contains approximately 30% humic acids—large molecules that are not absorbed from the intestine. According to scientific literature, these compounds may protect the intestinal lining and support the animal’s immune function.
Results from pig and broiler trials
Hankkija FFI and Neova first tested ProHumi® products in lab-based gut simulation models, followed by research farm trials with piglets and broilers, and as eatable enrichment material on commercial pig farms. The results were highly positive:
- In Finnish piglet trials, ProHumi® Farm increased the production of butyric acid in the colon—an important short-chain fatty acid for gut support (Figure 1). And reduced branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), which are products of protein fermentation
- Similar effects were observed in broiler trials with a dietary amendment of ProHumi® at 0.5 or 1.0% levels. Changes in microbial fermentation profiles like these have been shown to support growth and animal welfare.
- In the same piglet trial, ProHumi® Farm increased Bifidobacteria and decreased E. coli in piglet feces—both are considered highly beneficial changes (Figure 2).
- ProHumi® Farm used for 4 weeks post-weaning significantly improved piglet growth (Figure 3)
- In broiler studies, ProHumi® dosage was evaluated for 21 days. The lower dose (0.5%) significantly increased bird weight by the end of the trial, and both tested doses improved feed conversion ratio (figures 4a, 4b)
Reliable functionality backed by research
Hankkija FFI has a long history of developing functional feed materials, such as Progut® Extra (Progut®) and Progres®. These products share a strong scientific foundation and well-documented modes of action that have gained global trust. ProHumi® and ProHumi® Farm follow the same research-driven approach. They now strengthen Hankkija’s portfolio of reliable feed innovations for both Finnish and export markets.
At the same time, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a pressing challenge in animal production. This drives the demand for natural, evidence-based tools to support animal health. ProHumi® products combine functional fibers and humic acids to promote gut functioning and microbial stability. By enhancing gut resilience, it provides a natural way to reduce antibiotic use—supporting sustainable growth and long-term productivity.
Sources:
- Kettunen, Vuorenmaa, Partanen, 2024. Peat pellets as enrichment material had positive effects on growth and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets. Conference presentation and abstract in: 75th EAAP Annual Meeting, September 1–5, 2024, Florence, Italy.
- Kettunen, Rinttilä, Vuorenmaa, Apajalahti, 2024. Effects of peat and lignocellulose on the colonic fermentation of pigs in an ex vivo simulation model. Conference presentation and abstract in: 75th EAAP Annual Meeting, September 1–5, 2024, Florence, Italy.
- Kettunen, Vuorenmaa, 2024. Modular approach for the R&D of novel feed supplements for improved sustainability of pig production: case study of humic-rich prebiotic fiber product development. Pig Research Summit, November 20–21, 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark.
