Effects on Productivity, Physiology and Biochemistry From Introducing Zeolite Sourced From Lyulinskoye Deposit into Animal Diet

Abstract

The paper presents the research results for using zeolite from Lyulinskoye deposit (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region) in nutrition of young pig stock. Mineral and radionuclide composition of zeolith have been studied. It has been found that the zeolith is a mixture of minerals: clinoptilolite (about 50%), montmorillonite and bentonite clays (up to 25%), silica sand (up to 15%); its chemical composition is mainly represented by aluminum silicates: silicon dioxide and aluminum dioxide, as well as macro-and micronutrients. Concentrations of artificial and natural radionuclides in the zeolite have been determined. Content of natural radioactive elements in the zeolite corresponds to the values of medium active sedimentary rocks that are not dangerous for animals. It has been established that use of feed mixes with a zeolite additive normalizes metabolism and provides productivity growth. It has been established that introduction of zeolite (2 and 3% of dry weight) into diet had a positive impact on digestibility of feeds, metabolism and body defenses. It has allowed increasing gross live weight gain of pigs in experimental groups by 16.8 and 25.1%, slaughter yield by 1.5 and 2.8% and reducing feed consumption per a unit of live weight gain by 3.8 and 5.2% comparing to the control group.