The application of zeolite in poultry production

Abstract

Zeolites are crystalline, hydrated aluminosilicates of alkali and alkaline earth cations which have infinite, three dimensional structure. Among many properties attributed to zeolites, two most characteristics that relates to their effectiveness in animal nutrition are their ability to lose and gain water reversibly and being capable of exchanging selectively a variety of cations in their structure without much major changes of structure. However the effect of zeolites on food intake, weight gain, growth rate, egg production, egg weight, shell thickness and internal egg characteristic are in dispute. While some of the experiments report beneficial effect due to inclusion of zeolite in the diet of birds, others show no changes and yet there are results that indicate the negative effects. Reasons such as level of usage, type of zeolite (natural vs. synthetics) and even within natural ones, the levels of impurities, are to be blamed for discrepancies reported from the experiments. On the other hand there has been evidence that zeolites has beneficial effect on feed efficiency ratio, water consumption, nutrient utilization, manure and litter condition and more importantly on aflatoxicosis.

Efficacy of Supplemental Natural Zeolite in Broiler Chickens Subjected to Dietary Calcium Deficiency

“…gested that the inconsistent responses to zeolite are probably due to imbalances in dietary nutrients (Shariatmadari, 2008;Karamanlis et al, 2008). The adverse effect of remarkably higher ash level due to excessive higher dietary zeolite supplementation has been generally overlooked by researchers.…”

“…Among many properties attributed to zeolites, most typically related to their effectiveness in animal nutrition is their ability to selectively exchange a variety of cations without much major changes in their structure (Waldroup et al, 1984;Elliot and Edwards, 1991;Shariatmadari, 2008). Beneficial effects may also be attributed to the silicon (Si), aluminum (Al) or sodium (Na) content of zeolites because it has been established that these minerals can influence calcium (Ca)-metabolism, thus improving Ca and phosphorus (P) utilisation (Leach et al, 1990;Watkins and Southern, 1991).…”

Dietary effects of Ca-zeolite supplementation on some blood and tibial bone characteristics of broilers

“…Each zeolite species has its own unique crystal structure and, hence, its own set of chemical and physical properties. Among many properties attributed to zeolites, most characteristics that relate to their effectiveness in animal nutrition are their ability to lose or gain water alternatively, and being capable of exchanging a variety of cations selectively without much major changes in their structure (Mumpton & Fishman, 1977;Waldroup et al, 1984;Elliot & Edwards, 1991;Mumpton, 1999;Shariatmadari, 2008;Safaeikatouli et al, 2010).…”

Exploring the possibility of purification of water-alcohol solutions of different concentrations containing aldehydes and esters by mineral adsorbents

“…In crop production, mineral adsorbents can be used, for example, to keep moisture in the soil and to prevent the nitrification of organic nitrogen [9]. In poultry farming, there is evidence of an increase in feed efficiency, water consumption, nutrient utilization and manure improvement, as well as aflatoxicosis prevention [10]. In animal farming, rapid growth or decline in the incidence of diseases and deaths [11] or prevention of oxidative stress and correction of disorders of the antioxidant system of cows in the treatment of diseases of the reproductive system [12] are noted.…”