Effect of feeding clinoptilolite (zeolite) to three strains of laying hens
The research paper investigates the impact of incorporating clinoptilolite, a type of zeolite, into the diets of three different strains of laying hens. The study involved 120 pullets, aged 16 weeks, which were divided into two dietary groups: one group received a diet containing 50 g of clinoptilolite per kg of feed, while the control group was fed a diet with sterile river sand to maintain ison energetic conditions. The hens were housed in individual cages within a naturally-ventilated laying house and were subjected to a feeding trial over ten 28-day periods.
The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the two dietary treatments regarding body weight, age at first egg, egg weight, Haugh scores (a measure of egg quality), or food intake per hen. However, notable improvements were observed in several areas for the hens fed with clinoptilolite. These included an increase in the number of eggs laid per hen, enhanced shell thickness, better food utilization efficiency, reduced moisture content in droppings, and lower mortality rates. Additionally, significant differences were noted among the strains concerning all measured parameters, except for food intake per hen.
This research paper is significant in the field of poultry nutrition as it explores the potential benefits of adding clinoptilolite to the diets of laying hens, which could lead to improved production outcomes. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about optimizing poultry diets for better performance and animal welfare. By demonstrating the positive effects of clinoptilolite on egg production and quality, the study provides valuable insights for poultry farmers and nutritionists looking to enhance the efficiency of their operations. The research also opens avenues for further studies on the use of natural additives in animal feed, which could lead to more sustainable and health-conscious farming practices.
