Effects of dietary natural zeolite including plant extract on growth performance and intestinal histology in Aigamo ducks

Performance and economic efficiency of laying hens in response to adding zeolite to feed and litter

This study investigated the effect of different levels of zeolite in laying hen (Silver Montazah) diet and litter on productive performance, egg quality criteria, and economics during the second stage of production (40-56 wk of age). An experiment with a 3 × 4 factorial design was performed to study the effects of four levels of zeolite (0, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg feed) in the diet and three levels of zeolite (0, 1.5, and 2 kg/m2) in the litter. Adding zeolite to diet and litter significantly improved final BW and BW change, egg number, egg weight, egg mass, laying rate, feed consumption (FC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as egg quality criteria when compared to the unsupplemented group. Additionally, adding zeolite at a level of 2 kg /m2 litter and 20 g/kg diet achieved the greatest enhancement in productive performance features. Therefore, it can be suggested that the greatest results were obtained in laying farms when zeolite was added as a litter addition and as a supplement to feed.

Impact of adding zeolite to broilers' diet and litter on growth, blood parameters, immunity, and ammonia emission

This work was designed to assess the impact of varying zeolite concentrations in diet and litter to enhance broiler's growth performance, immunity, and litter quality. A complete random arrangement was used for distributing 525 unsexed "Cobb 500" broiler chicks into seven treatments (75 chick / treatment), each treatment divided into 3 replicates (25 chicks / replicate). The 1st group (control one) received the recommended basal diet. Zeolite has been introduced to the basal diet (ZD) of the second, third, and fourth groups at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 g/kg, respectively. The 5th, 6th and 7th groups used zeolite mixed with litter (ZL) at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 kg/m2 of litter, respectively. Due to the obtained results, adding zeolite with levels 15 g/kg of diet and 1.5 kg/1 m2 of litter, a significant improvement occurred in live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European production efficiency factor (EPEF). Also, transaminase enzymes (ALT and AST), creatinine, white blood cells (WBCs) and different Immunoglobulins were significantly increased with different zeolite levels, except urea concentrations which showed reduced due to different zeolite treatments. In addition, spleen relative weight hasn't been affected by zeolite treatments, even though thymus and bursa relative weights had been affected significantly. Moreover, the antibodies' production to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Avian influenza virus (AIV) had increased significantly with adding zeolite with levels 10 g/kg of diet and 1.5 kg/1m2 of litter. Litter quality traits (NH3 concentration, pH values, and Moisture content) were improved with zeolite addition. So, zeolite could be employed in both feed and litter of broilers to maximize their production, immunity and improve farm's climate.

Growth performance, meat quality, strength of jejunum and leg bones of both sexes Cherry Valley ducks fed with zeolite

Zeolite, as a natural mineral, could be a good additive for ducks, in line with pro-environmental trends. The study aimed to evaluate zeolite additives in feed for broiler ducks of both sexes on production results, meat quality, and the strength of the jejunum, tibia, and femur. The experiment used 200 Cherry Valley ducks, divided into a control group of males (CM) and females (CF) and an experimental group of males (ZM) and females (ZF). In the control groups, a commercial diet was used. In the experimental groups, 1% zeolite was added. The ZM group demonstrated higher body weight and weight gain than the CM group. Zeolite reduced the feed conversion ratio. A higher liver weight was found in the experimental group (ZM). Notably, zeolite influenced the weight of male pectoral muscles. Higher water loss in the pectoral muscles and higher protein content in the leg muscles were found in the same group. Females had a higher weight of neck and wings with skin. Female pectoral muscles had lower protein and water content. Zeolite in feed at a 1% level for broiler ducks could be recommended as a natural additive that positively affects the ducks' production results concerning good quality meat.

Influence of Improved Microclimate Conditions on Growth and Physiological Performance of Two Japanese Quail Lines

Microclimate parameters (ammonia, ambient temperature, heat index, and relative humidity) surrounding birds affect the production and health status of poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding natural zeolite to the litter of Japanese quail on improving microclimate parameters and its reflection in growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 1152 chicks were obtained from the same hatch at the 20th selection generation. Chicks were allocated into two groups based on the litter composition: Group 1: wheat straw as litter (untreated group); Group 2: 80% wheat straw + 20% zeolite (treated group). Each group consisted of 576 chicks: 410 selected line chicks and 166 control line chicks. Significant and favorable effects of the treatment on microclimate parameters during tested periods were found to favor the treated group. Either the treated group or the selected line had significantly better growth performance than the untreated group and control line. Zeolite-treated quails had significantly desirable blood gases and lower blood acidity and serum total iron binding capacity compared to the untreated group. Thus, adding natural zeolite to the litter enhanced the microclimate parameters that improved growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters and reduced ammonia emission.

Additive Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Zeolite and Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane on Growth Performance and Interleukin Levels of Broiler Chickens

Silicate minerals are common additives in poultry feed. To assess their effects, we added zeolite (ZEO) and methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) to broiler chicken diets. A total of 960 one-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into four dietary groups with six replicates. Each broiler was maintained until it reached 35 days of age. A completely randomized 2 × 2 experimental design was used, with two ZEO (0 and 1.0%) and two MSM (0 and 0.10%) levels. We observed an additive effect (P<0.05) on interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations in broiler bursa and serum when both ZEO and MSM were present. Both ZEO or MSM produced significant (P<0.05) increases in body weight, weight gain, and feed intake. Both increased IL-2 and IL-6 levels in the bursa and serum. Neither affected the serum concentrations of albumin, AST, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, glucose, total protein, or triglycerides. In summary, these results support supplementation with ZEO and MSM in broiler diets, both separately and in combination.

Effect of adding natural zeolite and vitamin E to diets of laying hens ( Lohman Brown) on some physiological traits and productive performance during hot weather

This study was conducted in a poultry farm of the Department of Animal Production / College of the Agriculture/University of Anbar, from 20/7/2021 to 12/10/2021, aiming to study the effect of adding zeolite to the diets on productive performance and some physiological qualities characteristics of laying hens. Seventy-two laying hens of Lohman Brown were used in this experiment at the age of 43 weeks and distributed randomly to six treatments with four replications (3 hens/ replicate). The birds were fed with the diet with the additives, and the treatments were as follows: T1 (Vit E 0.06), T2, T3, T4 and T5 with an addition of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0% relay, normal zeolite and T6 control treatment. Results showed moral differences (P≤0.05) in the egg mass, the ratio of egg production and the number of cumulative eggs for T3, T4 and T5 treatments during the productive duration of the experiment. Keywords: natural zeolites, productive performance, heat stress, laying hens.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, and carcass of sheep fed urea-based diet supplemented with natural clinoptilolite

Forty-five male Barki lambs (30.62 ± 4.54 kg BW) were allocated into three treatments designed to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal nitrogen with urea supplemented with natural clinoptilolite on performance and carcass characteristics. Lambs were randomly assigned to nine pens blocked according to age and initial BW into three blocks of three pens each assigned to one of three treatments: Control diet: animals received only a basal diet ad libitum, UR diet: urea replaced 68% of SBM nitrogen in the control diet or UR-Z diet: UR diet supplemented with 20-g zeolite for 141 days. Lambs fed on UR-Z diet increased (p < 0.05) total intakes of DM, crude protein digestibility, ADG, FCR, blood glucose and cholesterol concentration. Lambs fed on UR-Z diet decreased (p < 0.05) ruminal NH3 -N concentration compared to the UR diet. Carcasses from lambs fed on UR diet had greater (p < 0.05) ether extract content, fat thickness, meat yellowness and saturation attributes than those fed on UR-Z and control diets. Sheep fed on UR-Z diet made higher economic profit than UR and control diets. Partial replacement of soybean meal with urea supplemented with zeolite seemed to be economically efficient, with comparable performance and carcass attributes in growing lambs diet.

Ducks' Growth, Meat Quality, Bone Strength, and Jejunum Strength Depend on Zeolite in Feed and Long-Term Factors

Simple Summary

Natural agents ensuring the biosecurity of poultry production and the high quality of meat have again gained increasing interest. Natural zeolites absorb toxic gases and can also stimulate digestion and improve the physicochemical parameters of meat, which is important from the consumer’s point of view. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a diet with a 4% inclusion of zeolite on the growth, the meat quality, and the strength of the bones and jejunum of Orvia and Cherry Valley ducks of different age and sex. The addition of zeolite was associated with reduced body weight gains and an increased feed conversion ratio, but with a higher water-holding capacity of breast muscles in seven-week-old ducks, and with a higher yellowness and water-holding capacity of leg muscles in six-week-old ducks. Interactions were found between long-term factors (age, sex, and origin) and the addition of zeolite. The results are inconclusive and indicate a need for further research, testing different doses of zeolite in different forms. Studies on the use of zeolite may help reduce the negative impact of poultry production on the environment, and ensure its safety and profitability.

Abstract

The safety of production and the high quality of meat are important aspects of rearing poultry, especially when natural solutions are used. Because of the increasing popularity of duck meat, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a diet with an inclusion of zeolite on the growth performance, meat quality, and strength of the bones and jejunum in ducks of different origin, sex, and age at slaughter. The study was conducted on 320 Orvia and Cherry Valley ducks. Birds were allocated to eight groups, according to their sex and origin. Half of the birds received feed with a 4% inclusion of zeolite. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio per kilogram of gain were calculated. After six or seven weeks, five birds from each group were selected and slaughtered. After dissection, meat quality (pH, water-holding capacity, colour) and the strength of the bones and gut were analysed. The analysis revealed that zeolite was associated with reduced body weight gains and increased feed conversion ratio, but with a higher water-holding capacity of breast muscles in seven-week-old ducks, and with a higher yellowness and water-holding capacity of leg muscles in six-week-old ducks. A positive effect of long-term factors (age, sex, origin) and the interaction with zeolite was found for most of the analysed traits. Findings on the effect of 4% inclusion of zeolite in duck diet were inconclusive. The study implies the need for further research, since zeolite has potential as a natural sanitizing agent and can improve the quality of produced duck meat.

The effect of feed supplementation with Transcarpathian zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the concentrations of acute phase proteins and cytokines in the serum and hepatic tissue of chickens

The aim of the this study was to determine the effect of different levels of Transcarpathian zeolite (clinoptilolite) on selected indicators of the immune response in chickens by assessing the concentrations of the acute phase proteins haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A, transferrin, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, and IL-10 in the serum and hepatic tissues of chickens. The study was conducted on 450 one-day-old male Ross 308 chickens. The total rearing period was 42 D. The samples of blood and liver were collected before the start of the study (day 0) and on day 42, after rearing was completed. ELISA kits specific for chicken CRP, haptoglobin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, serum amyloid A, transferrin, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 were used to determine the levels of acute phase proteins and cytokines in the serum and liver homogenates. The results of immunological tests suggest that for long-term maintenance of homeostasis in chickens, the addition of 2% zeolite as a feed additive is most beneficial. The results indicate that 3% clinoptilolite induce production of Th1 pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing the synthesis of IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. The high concentration of IL-10 after the use of zeolite in conjunction with the high concentration of IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ indicates a reduction in the intensity of inflammatory processes, the enhancement of the humoral immune response, and the simultaneous inhibition of the production of Th1-type cytokines. The increase of CRP concentration in conjunction with high concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the birds from the group receiving 3% clinoptilolite demonstrates indicates that it can influence the development of local inflammatory processes and enhance immune regulation in birds. Our research has shown that clinoptilolite influences on an increase in birds' resistance to infection, as confirmed by clinical observations and anatomopathological examination and by the increase in the synthesis of acute phase proteins with immunoregulatory properties.

Effects of Dietary Zeolite Supplementation as an Antibiotic Alternative on Growth Performance, Intestinal Integrity, and Cecal Antibiotic Resistance Genes Abundances of Broilers

The study investigated the effects of dietary zeolite supplementation as an antibiotic alternative on growth performance, intestinal integrity, and cecal antibiotic resistance genes abundances of broilers. One-day-old chicks were assigned into three groups and fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (50 mg/kg) or zeolite (10 g/kg). Antibiotic or zeolite increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) from 1 to 42 days and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) at 21 days. Zeolite increased (p < 0.05) ADG and average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 days, jejunal VH:CD at 21 and 42 days, ileal VH and VH:CD at 42 days, zonula occludens-1 mRNA abundance at 21 days, and duodenal occludin mRNA abundance at 42 days, whereas reduced (p < 0.05) jejunal CD and malondialdehyde levels in ileum at 21 days and duodenum at 42 days, serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase levels at 42 days, and plasma lipopolysaccharide content at 21 and 42 days. Antibiotics reduced (p < 0.05) duodenal claudin-2 mRNA abundance at 21 days, whereas increased (p < 0.05) cecal tetB abundance at 42 days. These findings suggested that the beneficial effects of zeolite in broilers were more pronounced than that of antibiotics.

The Effects of Natural Clinoptilolite and Nano-Sized Clinoptilolite Supplementation on Lipid Profile, Food Intakes and Body Weight in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Purpose: To determine the effect of natural clinoptilolite (CLN) and nano-sized clinoptilolite (NCLN) on lipid profile, food intakes (FI) and weight changes in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 rats were randomly divided into two groups: diabetic group which was injected STZ (60 mg/kg BW), and a non-diabetic group. Three days after diabetes induction, each of these groups was randomly divided into 3 subgroups of 6 animals ((1) control, (2) 1%/food CLN, (3) 1%/food NCLN). The animals were supplemented for 28 days, starting three days after STZ administration. At the end of the study, blood was drawn for biochemical assays. The weights and FIs of the rats were measured at the beginning and end of each week. Results: Our findings revealed that there was no significant change in lipid profile, 28 days after administration of STZ in diabetic rats. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was increased slightly in diabetic rats treated with NCLN without any significant changes in other lipid profile parameters in the other groups. Weight was reduced significantly in diabetic rats. Administration of CLN and NCLN prevented further weight loss in diabetic rats. All groups treated with STZ had higher food intake during the study. Conclusion: Lack of beneficial changes in lipid profile may be attributed to short study duration, insufficient for appearance of lipid abnormalities. Given the partial improvement in weight status and lack of undesirable effects of clinoptilolite supplementation, further research is recommended in subjects with typ1 diabetes mellitus.

The effect of feed supplementation with Zakarpacki zeolite (clinoptilolite) on percentages of T and B lymphocytes and cytokine concentrations in poultry

The available literature lacks information on the effect of Zakarpacki zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the immune system of poultry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of this zeolite on selected indicators of the immune response in poultry by evaluating the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) surface molecules on T and B lymphocytes and the concentration of IL-2 and IL-10 in the blood. Ninety one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in the study. The birds were divided into 3 groups of 30 each. The same basic diet was used in all groups, but groups II and III received a feed additive in the form of 2% and 3% zeolite. Blood samples were collected from all birds on the 40th day of observations. Weight gain in the birds in both experimental groups was significantly higher, and no clinical symptoms of disease were observed. The percentage of CD4+CD25+ T and B lymphocytes was higher in both groups receiving zeolite, but the percentage of CD8+CD25+ T lymphocytes was higher only in the group receiving 3% zeolite. There were no differences between the groups in the percentage of cells with CD3+ and MHC Class II expression. Higher serum concentrations of IL-2 and IL-10 were noted only in group III. The use of zeolites enhances antigen presentation and leads to increased Th1 and Th2 response. Excessive supply of zeolite in the feed leads to a local inflammatory response, which may cause damage to the intestinal barrier.

Intestinal development and function of broiler chickens on diets supplemented with clinoptilolite

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural clinoptilolite (NCLI) and modified clinoptilolite (MCLI) on broiler performance, gut morphology, intestinal length and weight, and gut digestive enzyme activity. A total of 240 d-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 3 treatments, each of which comprised 8 pens of 10 chicks per pen. Birds in the control group were fed the basal diet, while those in the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with NCLI at 2% (NCLI group), or MCLI at 2% (MCLI group), respectively, for 42 d. Compared with the control, supplementation with NCLI or MCLI had no significant (p>0.05) effects on productive parameters from d 1 to 42. Supplementation with NCLI or MCLI had no influence on the relative length and weight of small intestine at d 1 to 21. But supplementation with NCLI or MCLI significantly reduced the relative weight of duodenum. Supplementation with MCLI and NCLI was associated with greater (p<0.05) villus height in the jejunal and ileal mucosa compared with those areas in the controls from d 1 to 42. However, supplementation with NCLI and MCLI had no significant (p>0.05) influence on the crypt depth in the jejunal and ileal mucosa compared with those in the controls. The addition of either NCLI or MCLI to the diet improved the activities of total protease, and amylase in the small intestinal contents. In conclusion, supplementation with NCLI or MCLI in diets improved intestinal morphology, increased the intestinal length and weigh and gut digestive enzyme activity.

Effects of clinoptilolite and modified clinoptilolite on the growth performance, intestinal microflora, and gut parameters of broilers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural clinoptilolite (NCLI) and modified clinoptilolite (MCLI) on broiler performance, gut morphology, and its relation to gut circumstances. A total of two hundred forty 1-d-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 3 treatments, each of which comprised 8 pens of 10 chicks per pen. Birds in the control group were fed the basal diet, whereas those in the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with NCLI at 2% (NCLI group) or MCLI at 2% (MCLI group) for 42 d. The results showed that compared with the control, supplementation with NCLI or MCLI had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on productive parameters from d 1 to 42. Supplementation with MCLI and NCLI was associated with greater (P < 0.05) villus height in the jejunal and ileal mucosa compared with those areas in the controls from d 1 to 42. However, supplementation with NCLI and MCLI had no significant (P > 0.05) influence on the crypt depth in the jejunal and ileal mucosa compared with those in the controls. Total viable counts of Escherichia coli were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by MCLI and NCLI from d 1 to 21. The NCLI and MCLI significantly increased the total viable counts of Lactobacillus acidophilus from d 22 to 42. Small intestine and cecal pH values in the MCLI group were found to be lower (P < 0.05) than those in other groups. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in both experimental groups from d 22 to 42. This study showed that NCLI or MCLI, as feed additives for broilers, had a positive effect on gut parameters by acting on microbial populations of the digestive tract.