Increasing levels of zeolite and Yucca schidigera in diets for adult cats

Abstract

-The effect of the additives Yucca schidigera (YSC) and zeolite (clinoptilolite) on digestibility, fecal texture and odor, blood parameters and urine pH of domesticated felines was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with twenty-one cats, in two periods, distributed in seven treatments: moist commercial feed (control); control + 125, 250 and 375 ppm YSC; and control + 0.5; 0.75 and 1.0 % zeolite. No differences were observed between the diets regarding apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrient, energy, urine pH or blood parameters. However, levels of 0.5 and 0.75% zeolite were effective both in reducing odor (R 2 = 96.39) and for fecal texture (R 2 = 99.63), showing a quadratic pattern for these variables.Levels of 125 and 375 ppm YSC were also efficient in reducing fecal odor; however they did not adjust to regression. Levels of 0.5% and 0.75% zeolite significantly reduce odor of feces and increase fecal texture when added to commercial feed for cats.

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera and zeolite in dog feed: influence on mineral excretion

“…Thus, there was no influence on the acceptability of feed by the animals, confirming the results reported by Roque et al (2011) and Maia et al (2010) in palatability tests with additives for cats and dogs respectively, and Santos et al (2011a) when assessing the acceptability of additives in cats. However, contrary to what was reported by Francis (2002), mentioning a reduction in dry matter intake in diets with the inclusion of Yucca schidigera for its astringent and irritating sensation and a possible reduction in gastrointestinal motility.…”

“…However, they disagree with Lima et al (2008) + ion for the exchange sites, thus the ammonia prevented the adsorption of potassium by competition for exchange sites. This fact takes greater importance when evaluating the work of Roque et al (2011) and Maia et al (2010), when employing the same concentrations of zeolite studied. These authors found a reduction in odor from the feces of dogs and cats, possibly by the action of zeolite on ammonia.…”

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite in the diet and its relationship to the apparent digestibility of nutrients and urinary pH in adult dogs

“…No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, gross energy, or apparent digestible energy of the diets (kcal kg -1 ) between the experimental treatments ( Table 2). These findings corroborate those reported by MAIA et al (2010) andREIS et al (2016), who used Yucca schidigera and zeolite and only Yucca schidigera, respectively, in dogs, and those reported by ROQUE et al (2011), who used Yucca schidigera and zeolite in cats. However, the inclusion of the additive Yucca schidigera had an effect on the ether extract in acid hydrolysis (P<0.05), with a reduction of 4.5 percentage points compared to the control group, and 5.5 percentage points when compared to the group supplemented with zeolite.…”

“…No differences (P>0.05) were observed in the urinary pH of the dogs (Table 2), which is consistent with the findings of ROQUE et al (2011) andREIS (2012). The urinary pH values found in this study were similar to those reported by NOGUEIRA (2010) when evaluating commercial diets for dogs from the same commercial type (standard).…”

Applications of natural zeolites on agriculture and food production

“…Another study concluded that a 3% addition to the feed of gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ) resulted in a positive impact of growth . The inclusion of additives such as the plant Yucca schidigera Roezl ex Ortgies and zeolite (clinoptilolite) in commercial wet food for adult cats eliminated fecal odor without any negative interference in the health of animals . For adult dogs, the effects of adding Y. schidigera and zeolite (clinoptilolite) to their food were evaluated regarding the acceptability of the feed, stool characteristics and the apparent indigestibility coefficient of minerals .…”