Effect of the Feed Additive Clinoptilolite (ZeoFeed) on Nutrient Metabolism and Production Performance of Laying Hens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two levels of clinoptilolite administered in feed (2% and 4%) on some selected performance indicators, metabolic utilization of basic nutrients and the health status of laying hens. The selected 24 Bovans Goldline hybrid laying hens were divided into three equal groups, two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C). The laying hens were housed individually in cages with an automatic supply of drinking water, manual feeding, in a setting with controlled light and temperature regimens. Hens from individual groups were all fed a complete feed mix of the same composition and the only difference was in clinoptilolite supplementation: feed mixes for E1 and E2 groups contained 2% and 4% of clinoptilolite (commercial additive ZeoFeed) respectively, replacing the same amounts of wheat. The hens received feed mixes and drinking water ad libitum. During this 28-day experiment, feed consumption and the number and weight of eggs laid were monitored individually for each hen. At the end of the experiment, the balance test using the indicator method (Cr 2 O 3 ) was performed in all eight hens in each of the groups. The results of balance tests were then used to calculate the metabolic utilization of selected nutrients (nitrogen, fat, ash, nitrogen-free extracts, starch, gross energy, Ca, P). After the balance tests, blood samples for haematological and biochemical examinations were collected via puncture of the vena basilica. The addition of 2% clinoptilolite to feed mix resulted in a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in mean egg weight to 64.69 g, but the addition of 4% clinoptilolite in group E2 resulted in a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease in mean egg weight to 62.20 g compared to the control (63.73 g). Moreover, daily feed mix consumption in group E1 decreased to 114 g per one laying hen/day compared to the controls (118 g per one laying hen/day). In group E2 (4% clinoptilolite), daily consumption of feed mix increased compared with the controls to 124 g. The 2% clinoptilolite supplementation of E1 group feed slightly increased metabolic utilization of fat, nitrogen-free extracts, starch and gross energy compared to group C. Results of haematological test of the hens' blood showed significant changes in haemoglobin, whose values in groups C and E1 were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than in group E2. Differences in the values of the biochemical indicators monitored (total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and the AST enzyme) between group C and experimental groups E1 and E2 were not significant and remained within the range of reference values. , nutrient balance, biochemical profile, mineral profile, haematological profile Feeds may be carriers of a number of contaminating exogenous substances that spread to food via food-producing animals and their products. For that reason, suitable approaches are being sought to prevent such substances from penetrating the animal organism and, subsequ...

Intestinal morphograhy of broilers fed diets supplemented with perlite

“…As previously reported, there is a positive correlation between intestinal villus size and villus height . Besides their positive effects on performance and small intestine morphology, there are some reports claiming effectiveness perlite and zeolite in enhancing prevention of some diseases (Macháček et al, 2010). Our observations provide novel information for these substances on their ability to improve nutrient absorption by altering intestinal villus and liberkuhn crypts feature.…”

Effect of zeolite (Clinoptilolite) as a salinity stress alleviator on semen quality and hematobiochemical parameters of Montazah cocks under South Sinai conditions

“…Valpotic et al (2016) mentioned that zeolite improved the absorption of immunoglobulins, total proteins and some microelements, especially iron and copper in cow (Ipek et al, 2012). Moreover, Macháček et al (2010) demonstrated that differences in glucose and total protein as a result of clinoptilolite administration in feed (2% and 4%) of laying hen were not significant comparing to control ones and remained within the range of reference values. Eleroglu et al (2011); Lotfollahian et al (2004) and Safaeikatouli et al (2011).…”

Effect of Zeolite Dietary Supplementation on Physiological Responses and Production of Laying Hens Drinking Saline Well Water in South Sinai.

“…Valpotic et al (2016) reported that zeolite improved the absorption of immunoglobulins, total proteins and some microelements, especially iron and copper in cow and cocks (Ipek et al, 2012 andMorsy, 2018). Moreover, Macháček et al (2010) demonstrated that differences in glucose and total protein as a result of zeolite (clinoptilolite) administration in feed of laying hen (at level of 2% and 4%) were not significantly effective as compared to control ones and remained at the range of reference values (Lotfollahian et al, 2004;Eleroglu et al, 2011 andSafaeikatouli et al, 2011). Also, Nik-Khan (2002) reported that useing 1 g zeolite/ kg body weight/ daily had the positive effects on increasing serum immunoglobulins.…”

“…On the other hand, delayed feed conversion in the hens of S (drank saline well water) group may be attributed to its lowest egg mass as compared to that of other groups. Improvement in productive performance may attribute to zeolites (clinoptilolite) supplementation by having a number of beneficial effects they provide including better utilization of feed nutrients and positive effects on intestinal microflora and the mechanism of digestion and protection of animals against harmful effects of mycotoxins, stimulation of liver detoxification processes, elimination of heavy metals and radioactive elements (Macháček et al, 2010). Because of their properties, in-feed zeolites participate in many biochemical processes including high cation exchange capacity, adsorption, catalysis and dehydration-rehydration (Macháček et al, 2010).…”

“…Improvement in productive performance may attribute to zeolites (clinoptilolite) supplementation by having a number of beneficial effects they provide including better utilization of feed nutrients and positive effects on intestinal microflora and the mechanism of digestion and protection of animals against harmful effects of mycotoxins, stimulation of liver detoxification processes, elimination of heavy metals and radioactive elements (Macháček et al, 2010). Because of their properties, in-feed zeolites participate in many biochemical processes including high cation exchange capacity, adsorption, catalysis and dehydration-rehydration (Macháček et al, 2010). These results agree with the results of Tserveni-Gousi et al (1997); Nys (1999) and Fendri (2012) that reported the inclusion of zeolites in animal diets improved weight gains and feed conversion, egg production and egg shell quality in laying hens, and had a positive effect on egg weight and the physical properties.…”