Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrated aluminosilicate (antitoxic nutrient-ATN), based on zeolitic ore (of > 90% clinoptilolite), bentonite (of > 83% montmorillonite), and small amounts of activated charcoal, on performance, hematological, serum, and liver biochemical parameters, as well as organ weights and meat quality in broiler chickens. The study included 300 1-day-old broilers of both sexes, which were assigned at random to 2 groups based on treatment: no dietary supplementation (control) and supplementation with 5 g/kg of ATN (ATN group). Dietary supplementation with 5 g/kg of ATN in broiler diets significantly increased weight gain only during the 1{st} and 3{rd} weeks; however, the effect on weight gain and the feed conversion ratio was not significant (P > 0.05) for the overall study period. Most hematological, serum, and liver biochemical indices were unaffected by the dietary treatment. Supplemental ATN significantly increased serum amylase and lactate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.05). Spleen, proventriculus, ventriculus, and ileum weights were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the ATN group, whereas the weights of the other measured organs were not affected by the dietary treatment. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) protein and ash, and significantly lower fat content was observed in the breast meat of chicks in the ATN group. Ash content was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in drumstick meat. The results of this study demonstrate that supplementation with 5 g/kg of hydrated aluminosilicate influenced serum traits, organ weights, and the chemical composition of broiler chicken meat.

Key Words: Aluminosilicate, broiler, feed, blood, organ weight