Using Natural Zeolite as a Feed Additive in Broilers’ Diets for Enhancing Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality Traits

Abstract

Background: Using natural zeolites as a food additive in poultry diets offers an intriguing perspective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite addition and particle size on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, moisture of excreta and litter, and intestinal measurements during 35 days. Methods: A total of 560 1-day-old female Ross-308 broilers were divided into five treatment levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g zeolite/kg diet) (n = 16 replicates/treatment, n = 8 replicates /particle size of each treatment). Performance was calculated weekly. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, small intestine (SI) measurements, litter pH, and moisture content were determined on day 35. Results: Litter pH, breast redness, cooking loss, chewiness, total weight, and SI length were all affected by zeolite treatments (p p > 0.05) with increasing zeolite doses up to 10 g zeolite/kg diet.

Keywords

• broiler performance
• carcass traits
• clinoptilolite
• meat and litter quality
• physical size