Efficiency of zeolite basis preparation in fattening Lamb diets

Abstract

The paper presents results of investigations of the effect of a preparation based on natural zeolite on production results of fattening lambs. The experiment was performed on two groups of lamps (control – K and experimental – O), 15 animals per group, and for a duration of 90 days. The diet ration consisted of sheeps’ milk, a compound mix for fattening lambs, and meadow hay. Lambs of the experimental group, contrary to those of the control group were administered preparations based on natural zeolite. The preparation Min-a-Zel® S (in the form of 25% suspension) was administered to lambs from birth until the 14th day of life, directly into the mouth, once daily (before the morning meal), 10 ml each. Min-a-Zel Plus was administered starting from the 15th day by adding it to the fodder mix (0.5%). Feeding was ad libitum. The average body mass of lambs at the end of the experiment, according to the sequence of treatments (K:O), was 24.40:26.94 kg (P<0.01). The daily groth of the lambs, during the course of the experiment, was 229:256 g, and was 27 g or 11.79% higher (P<0.01) in the experimental group. The experimental group had better utilization of dry matter, proteins and energy, which indicates that the use of a preparation based on natural zeolite in the diet of fattening lambs is justified.

Keywords

• lambs
• zeolite
• body weight
• weight gain
• feed utilization