Wheat litter and feed with aluminosilicates for improved growth and meat quality in broiler chickens

Abstract

Background Natural minerals have many beneficial properties in poultry production, taking into account production as well as hygiene, health, safety, and quality of broiler meat. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aluminosilicates in feed and litter on the growth performance and meat quality in chickens. Aluminosilicates, including halloysite and zeolite, could be a good alternative for synthetics, as a good solution for the environment in line with the current trends. Methods Five-hundred male Ross 308 chickens were managed in 5 groups (10 replicates/group): LITTER: 1, control; 2, 0.95 kg/m2 of halloysite; 3, 0.475 kg/m2 of halloysite and 0.475 zeolite; 4, 0.95 kg/m2 of zeolite; 5, 0.25 kg/m2of halloysite and 0.7 kg/m2 of zeolite. FEED: groups 2–5, halloysite and zeolite addition (25:75 ratio; 0.5–2%). Growth performance (body weight and feed indicators), carcass, and meat quality (pH, colour, water-holding capacity, chemical composition of muscles) were recorded. The experimental setup, where the aluminosilicate additives were applied simultaneously, was proposed and approved by experts after pilot testing and on the basis of extensive literature where feed or litter additives were tested. Results Body weight and its gain were higher in groups 3 and 4 than in 1, and feed intake was higher in 4. The weight of the carcass and some of its components, including muscles and skin with subcutaneous fat, were higher in 2–4. Water loss from leg muscles was lower in 4. The content of protein in muscles was significantly higher in 3. The addition of aluminosilicates in feed and litter had a positive effect on the growth performance and some traits of carcasses and meat quality, especially in group 3. Halloysite and zeolite can be used in feed and litter (especially 0.475 kg/m2 for each mineral in the wheat litter).

Growth of broiler chickens, and physical features of the digestive system, and leg bones after aluminosilicates used

“…Raj et al 26 showed that the addition of a mycotoxin-reducing substance with modified zeolite in feed for broiler chickens at the level of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR). In the study by Banaszak et al 27 , broiler chickens were reared with the addition of aluminosilicates in the feed at the level of 0.5–2% (25% halloysite and 75% zeolite) in the feed and 0.950 kg/m 2 of wheat litter (1:1 halloysite and zeolite) were characterized by higher BWG without affecting FI and FCR. Using zeolite and halloysite 0.5–2% in the feed, with the simultaneous addition of aluminosilicates to the rye litter at 800 g/m 2 (with different proportions), resulted in higher BW and BWG of broiler chickens.…”

“…Raj et al 26 showed that the addition of a mycotoxin-reducing substance with modified zeolite in feed for broiler chickens at the level of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR). In the study by Banaszak et al 27 , broiler chickens were reared with the addition of aluminosilicates in the feed at the level of Table 3. Relative weight and length of individual sections of the digestive system of broiler chickens.…”

The effect of partial replacement of milled finisher feed with wheat grains on the production efficiency and meat quality in broiler chickens

“…During the gutting process, the edible offals were collected (heart, liver, gizzard). The prepared carcasses were chilled in a refrigerator (Hendi, Poznan, Poland) at 4°C for 24 h ( Banaszak et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The measurement was repeated 24 h after weighing the carcasses (pH 24hours ). After dissection, the right and left pectoral and leg muscles were collected for further analysis ( Banaszak et al, 2021 ).…”

Production Efficiency and Utility Features of Broiler Ducks Fed with Feed Thinned with Wheat Grain

“…The device was calibrated with buffers of pH = 4.00, 6.00, and 9.00. The measurement was repeated after 24 h [ 22 ]. The carcasses were weighed (Radwag, Radom, Poland) and dissected.…”