Effect of Bentopel on the quality and efficiency of the usage of pelleted feed mixtures

This paper presents the results of the addition of the material for pelleting of feed mixtures (Bentopel - bentonite based additive) and its impact on physical and chemical characteristics, microbiological and mycotoxicological safety of pelleted feed mixtures for laying hens. Furthermore, the results on impact of pelleted feed mixtures with added Bentopel on growth, consumption, feed utilization and pH in blood serum and rumen fluid of calves was presented. The assessment of physical and chemical characteristics, microbiological and mycotoxicological safety of mixture for laying hens was conducted by comparing the experimental (E) and control mixtures (C). Inclusion of Bentopel in mixture E in the amount of 2% did not have significant impact on its chemical composition, with exception of silicium (1.12%:0.11%) and aluminum (0.21% : 0.02%) (E: C). The hardness of pellets in the experimental mixture was higher than in the control (6 Khal J/kg: 3.7 Khal J/kg), and the obliteration index was lower (10.7% :14.1%). The total number of bacteria in the mixture E was lower than in the mixture C (5,000/g:39,000/g). The total number of yeasts and molds in the mixture E was about three times lower (10/g : 30/g). The number of identified mold species was also lower in the mixture E than in the mixture C (3 : 8). Calves fed mixture supplemented with Bentopel (1.5%) had a higher average daily weight gain (1.084 kg:0.972 kg). The efficiency of the mixture utilization was better in E group of calves (1.74 kg:1.86 kg). PH values of the rumen content of calves at the age of 80 days in E and C groups were 6.54 and 6.28, while at the age of 120 days they were 6.39 and 6.14 respectively. PH values of blood serum at the age of 80 days were 7.45 and 7.40, while at the age of 120 days they were 7.49 and 7.40, in the E and C group respectively. In group E these values were closer to the optimal physiological values.