Peat as a feed supplement for animals: a literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Peat is an easily available natural material and a source of biologically active substances widely used, not only in agriculture but in human and animal medicine as well. In recent years, interest in the use of peat as a feed supplement has increased, particularly due to its capability to prevent enteric diseases and to stimulate growth in piglets and pigs. The purpose of this review was to compare the advantages and risks associated with the use of peat for animal nutrition based on the literature available. Beneficial effects of various peat preparations on digestion, growth and the immune systems of animals as well as the absorbent and detoxifying capabilities are associated with the high content of favourable humic substances. One disadvantage of using peat preparations is the considerable diversity of the various types of peat caused by different biological, chemical and geological conditions during formation. Biological activity of various peat preparations is associated not only with fluctuations in the chemical compositions, but also with different application techniques. Based on the existing studies, it is unclear which application technique is most effective for respective animal species. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the problem, with the inclusion of farm animals. One potential risk of peat feeding is the possibility of primary or secondary mycobacterial contamination. As long as feed rations are supplemented with peat preparations, it is essential to minimise the potential contamination risk during mining, processing and storage.

Effects of peat feeding on the performance and health status of fattening pigs and environmentally derived mycobacteria

“…As mycobacterial contamination of peat is quite common , its use as a feed supplement for piglets, without previous efficient disinfection targeted at devitalisation of mycobacteria, is highly risky due to the occurrence of tuberculous lesions in the lymph nodes . Its use may only be recommended in specified cases of recurrent health disorders in piglets, particularly those affected by diarrhoea (Trckova et al, 2005).…”

“…The potential risk of peat feeding is represented by its primary or secondary contamination with mycobacteria (Horvathova et al, 1997;Pavlik et al, 1999;Kazda, 2000;Matlova et al, 2003Matlova et al, , 2005Trckova et al, 2005). Despite the fact that Czech Republic has been declared to be a bovine tuberculosis-free EU state in 2004 (Anonymous, 2004a;Pavlik et al, 2005;Pavlik, 2006), tuberculous lesions in lymph nodes are consistently found in slaughtered pigs .…”

The Composition of Biologically Active Compounds in Peat from Different Climatic Zones of Western Siberia

“…[1] The literature refers to a wide spectrum of beneficial effects of peat and various peat preparations on organisms: stimulating effects on digestion, growth, and the immune system of the animals [2].…”

Mycobacteria in peat used as a supplement for pigs: failure of different decontamination methods to eliminate the risk

“…The numbers of detectable living mycobacteria are inversely proportional to the depth from which the sample is taken, and viable mycobacterial cells were not found in the profile of peat from 70 cm and deeper (Kazda 2000;Trckova et al 2005Trckova et al , 2006a.…”

“…The high content of fibre, meanwhile, increases the overall uptake of food, thus improving the weight gaining process in piglets. Also, the low pH of peat has bactericidal effects on pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract of piglets helping to prevent or decrease the intensity of diarrhoea (Roost et al 1990;Mesrogli et al 1991;Fuchs et al 1995;Trckova et al 2005).…”