Effect of micronized zeolite addition to lamb concentrate feeds on growth performance and some blood chemistry and metabolites

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the addition of micronized zeolite (MZ) on the fattening performance, blood parameters, faecal ash and nitrogen levels of lambs fed concentrate feeds intensively. For two months 25 four-month-old Merino x Ile de France crossbred male lambs (21.1 ± 1.32 kg live weight) were fed 100 g alfalfa hay and a mixed concentrate diet containing 0%, 1%, 2% or 3% additional MZ. At the end of the study, bodyweight gain and feed consumption were not affected by the treatments. Similarly, the addition of up to 2% MZ to the diet did not affect slaughter weight, hot carcass or cold carcass weights, but they decreased at 3% MZ inclusion. No differences were observed between the groups in terms of blood urea nitrogen, plasma glucose, serum creatinine, triglyceride, sodium, potassium and chlorine concentration. However, serum total protein, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were affected by MZ supplementation. The addition of MZ to the ration did not affect the faecal dry matter content and total nitrogen level, yet it increased the ash content of the faeces. Consequently, it was demonstrated that the addition of up to 2% MZ to lamb grower feed does not have a negative impact on performance and carcass yield of the animals, but affects serum total protein, calcium and phosphorus concentrations.

Influence of ferulic acid and clinoptilolite supplementation on growth performance, carcass, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of finished lambs

“…Similarly, several studies have reported that CTL supplementation increased the daily feed intake of livestock [ 13 , 40 , 41 ]. Otherwise, the lambs’ weight gain in our experiment was not affected by CTL supplementation, while in other studies, dietary supplementation with CTL has been proven to increase weight gain in lambs [ 18 , 40 , 41 ]. This lack of effect on the weight gain of the lambs might be due to the limited sample size used in our study.…”

“…Similarly, other studies have reported that CTL supplementation enhances weight gain (carcass characteristics were not evaluated) [ 17 , 41 , 42 ]. The effects of CTL supplementation in lambs in other studies, could be related to the ability of CTL to modify ruminal fermentation due to its cation exchange property, resulting in better energy efficiency by improving the acetate:propionate ratio or by stimulating some populations of ruminal bacteria [ 18 , 44 , 45 ].…”

“…A study has shown that supplementing lambs with CTL increased muscle tissue deposition and decreased fat tissue deposition [ 15 ]. Additionally, an improvement in feed efficiency and ADG was reported [ 16 , 17 ]; the ion-exchange property of CTL favorably modulates ruminal fermentation, improving energy efficiency, which is reflected in animal growth performance [ 18 ]. However, the available results are conflicting; hence, more research is required in order to fully elucidate CTL’s response in ruminants.…”

Effect of Zeolite Addition on Physiological, Immunological, Reproductive and Productive Performance of Barki Ewes Under Water Salinity Stress in South Sinai, Egypt تأثير إضافة الزيوليت علي الأداء الفسيولوجى، المناعي، التناسلى والإنتاجى للنعاج البرقى تحت إجهاد ملوحة ماء الشرب فى جنوب سيناء

“…However, Toprak et al (2016) found that average daily gain and weights at slaughter did not affected in lambs fed diets containing 0, 1%, 2% and 3% zeolite.…”

Application of Zeolites in Agriculture and Other Potential Uses: A Review

“…Zeolites dietary supplementation is a cooperative and efficacious strategy in the prevention of several diseases and in the advancement of animal health. Many authors in several species, such as swine [128], calves [129], and lambs [130], have documented the benefits of their dietary inclusion. Briefly, below some mechanisms by which zeolite minerals may exert their performance-promoting properties in the diet of livestock husbandry [131]:…”