Effects of zeolite A or clinoptilolite in diets of growing swine.
The research paper presents a study evaluating the effects of zeolite A and clinoptilolite on the growth, nutrient balance, plasma ammonia levels, and urinary p-cresol excretion in growing pigs. The research involved two growth trials and two nutrient balance trials with crossbred pigs of varying initial body weights.
In the first growth trial, pigs averaging 25 kg were assigned to diets with no zeolite, 0.3% zeolite A, or 0.5% clinoptilolite over a six-week period. The results indicated that average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADF), and feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) were not significantly affected by the inclusion of either zeolite. However, the utilization of metabolizable energy (ME) improved with the addition of zeolite.
The second growth trial involved pigs averaging 65 kg and tested diets with no zeolite, 1% zeolite A, or 5% clinoptilolite over an eight-week finishing phase. Similar to the first trial, ADG, ADF, and ME utilization remained unaffected, but the F/G ratio improved in pigs fed the diet containing 5% clinoptilolite.
In the nutrient balance trials, pigs were fed varying levels of zeolite A and clinoptilolite. Results showed that increasing amounts of zeolite A or clinoptilolite led to a linear reduction in digestible energy, ME, and nitrogen-corrected ME. Additionally, daily fecal nitrogen increased, and the apparent digestibility of nitrogen decreased with higher zeolite levels. Notably, the biological value of protein improved with higher levels of zeolite A, suggesting potential ammonia binding in the gastrointestinal tract. Conversely, net protein utilization decreased with increasing clinoptilolite levels.
Mineral retention was also affected; calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron retentions decreased with higher zeolite A levels, while only phosphorus retention was reduced with increasing clinoptilolite. Furthermore, urinary p-cresol levels decreased with higher clinoptilolite levels, and plasma ammonia levels were reduced after meals with increasing clinoptilolite.
This research paper is significant in the field of animal nutrition, particularly in swine production, as it explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating zeolite A and clinoptilolite into pig diets. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about optimizing feed formulations to enhance growth performance and nutrient utilization while managing waste products like ammonia. By demonstrating the effects of these zeolites on growth metrics and nutrient retention, the study provides valuable insights for swine producers looking to improve feed efficiency and animal health. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of understanding how dietary components can influence metabolic processes and waste management in livestock, which is crucial for sustainable animal agriculture.
