Effects of dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers

Abstract

Among the different feed additives studied in poultry production, clinoptilolite, an aluminosilicate capable of adsorbing harmful substances and of improving live performance and egg and meat quality, was evaluated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels on the performance and egg quality of layers. In total, 576 layers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement (three calcium levels-2.5, 3.1, or 3.7% and four clinoptilolite levels-0.0, 0.15, 0.25, or 0.50%), with 12 treatments of six replicates of eight birds each. The experiment included four 28-d cycles. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the test of Tukey at 5% significance level using SISVAR statistical package. There was a significant interaction between the evaluated factors for egg production and feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs and egg mass. The lowest calcium level resulted in worse performance and eggshell quality. Clinoptilolite levels affected albumen and yolk content. It was concluded that up to 0.50% inclusion of clinoptilolite in layer diets does not benefit layer performance or eggshell quality. Although the inclusion of only 2.5% calcium in layer diets is not recommended, it is possible to add 3.1% because it promoted similar results as the recommended level of 3.7%.

Potential adverse effects on animal health and performance caused by the addition of mineral adsorbents to feeds to reduce mycotoxin exposure

“…They found a significant increase in body weight gain of pigs in the first 90 days; however, after 120 days, there was a significant decrease in growth rate as well as increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase in serum of clinoptilolite-treated group (Prvulović et al 2008). In commercial layers, Berto et al (2013) found that 0.5% inclusion of clinoptilolite to feed led to a decrease in animal performance and eggshell quality (Berto et al 2013). Similarly, the addition of 1-3% of sodium bentonite decreased specific gravity, yolk color index, feed consumption, and egg production compared to birds fed control diet (Roland 1988;Hashemipour et al 2010).…”

The effects of natural nano-sized clinoptilolite and Nigella sativa supplementation on serum bone markers in diabetic rats

“…Nehar et al 38 confirmed improvements in insulin levels through increasing Beta-cell differentiation and insulin sensitivity by NS intake among diabetic pigs, thus enhancing calcium re-absorption from nephron tubes, 39 which as a result, elevated calcium levels in blood circulation. In addition, Berto et al 40 indicated a direct relationship between NCLN and calcium concentrations. According to the mechanisms of combined NS and NCLN with calcium levels in circulation, it seems that NS + NCLN intake leads to improved bone mineralization.…”