Effect of the feed additive clinoptilolite (ZeoFeed) on nutrient metabolism and production performance of laying hens
2010
Machacek, M.,Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Fakulta Veterinarni Hygieny a Ekologie | Vecerek, V.,Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Fakulta Veterinarni Hygieny a Ekologie | Mas, N.,University of Zagreb (Croatia). Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | Suchy, P.,Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Fakulta Veterinarni Hygieny a Ekologie | Strakova, E.,Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Fakulta Veterinarni Hygieny a Ekologie | Serman, V.,University of Zagreb (Croatia). Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | Herzig, I.,Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Fakulta Veterinarni Hygieny a Ekologie
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. Hens were all fed a complete feed mix ad libitum. Feed mixes for E1 and E2 groups contained 2% and 4% of clinoptilolite (commercial additive ZeoFeed) respectively, replacing the same amounts of wheat. 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 (Cr2O3) 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). The addition of 2% clinoptilolite resulted in a highly significant increase in mean egg weight to 64.69 g, but the addition of 4% clinoptilolite resulted in a highly significant 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, daily consumption of feed mix increased to 124 g. The 2% clinoptilolite supplementation 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 (significantly higher values in C and E1 groups than in E2 hens). Differences in the values of the biochemical indicators monitored (total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and the AST enzyme) between C and E1 and E2 hens were not significant and remained within the range of reference values.
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