Effect of glauconite, sepiolite and oil supplementation on pellet quality parameters in poultry compound feed

Abstract

The aim of this study was conducted to determine the effect of glauconite, sepiolite and oil on pellet quality parameters in poultry compound feed. There are limited studies with supplementation of different levels of sepiolite and glauconite clay minerals in diets about pellet quality during the pelleting processes. Thus, the effect of sepiolite and glauconite on pellet quality parameters was investigated in our study. The study was carried out in two different. Firstly, 1% and 2% levels sepiolite and glauconite were added to each concentrate in pellet production without adding oil. Secondly, 1% and 2% levels of sepiolite, glauconite and 1% oil were added to the concentrates during pelleting. In both experiments, the trial consisted of 1 control and 4 trial groups. Pellet concentrate feeds were produced with 7 batches (each batch was 100 kg). The disc that has hole diameter 3.5 mm and wall thickness of 70 mm was used in production. At the end of the study, dry matter level of the pellets was statistically influenced by the addition of sepiolite, glauconite and oil in poultry compound pellet feed The lowest pellet dry matter value belongs to C and CO groups (p<0.05). Pellet durability index of poultry compound pellet feed were not statistically affected by the addition of sepiolite, glauconite and oil. Pellet water activity of poultry compound pellet feed were not statistically affected by the addition of sepiolite, glauconite and oil. However, the pellet water activity of laying hens pellet concentrates (without oil addition) were statistically affected by the addition of sepiolite and glauconite (p<0.05). Pellet water activity has the lowest value especially in the groups in which glauconite is added. In conclusion, these findings showed that glauconite, sepiolite and oil can be used for pellet quality in poultry compound feed (especially laying hen feed) and improve pellet storage conditions and due to the positive effect of glauconite and sepiolite on pellet water activity.