THE EFFECT OF SODIUM BENTONITE SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE DIET OF MINK (Neovison vison) ON THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FEED AND ANIMAL HEALTH PARAMETERS

Abstract

Summary: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of mink feed supplementation at weaning on the hygiene and sanitary conditions of feed and selected parameters of animal health . The experiment was carried out in two stages. In the first stage of the study, as 0.5% addition of bentonite and a 1% supplement are incorporated into the daily feed intake mink experimental groups D1 and D2, respectively. In the second step, the increase in the proportion of bentonite in the two groups is up to 1% and 1.5%. K group (control group) was not supplemented. The microbiological examinations of the chosen indices of mink feed were performed twice in each feeding period. The mink health state was monitored and evaluated via hematological analyses and lysozyme activity. The research results enable a conclusion that the application of sodium bentonite in the analyzed amounts does not negatively influence the analyzed parameters of mink blood. In fact, it may be recommended to reduce fungus numbers in feed.