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Possibile use of natural zeolites in animal production and environment protection
Abstract
Natural zeolites contain micro-and macroelements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and copper. The aim of the following study has been to determine changes in poultry production induced by adding naturally occurring zeolites as dietary supplements. The study was carried out on 20,000 one-day chicks of the fattening breed called Ross. The birds were divided into two groups: the control group (group C) and the group supplemented with 5% of zeolite added to the feed (group E). Observations lasted for 45 days. Weekly measurements of the body weight of randomly chosen chicks were taken in both groups, and dead birds were counted. The composition of faeces was analyzed with an absorbance test. The air composition was determined with an instrument specially designed for that purpose. Differences in the body weight between groups C and E reached approximately 10%. A decrease in the mortality rate among chicks was observed in the treatment versus the control group. Mineral substances such as calcium and phosphorus were higher by about 4.4% and 9.5%, respectively, in the experimental group. Less ash in faeces (by about 20.4%) and less ammonia in the air (by about 33%) were determined for the experimental group, too. The present results may have important implications for poultry production, especially the fact that zeolite supplementation increased the body weight gain and reduced the number of falls. In conclusion, it is recommended to include zeolite in feed additives. © 2014, Polish Society Magnesium Research. All rights reserved.
... In matching with the previous findings, Ferrer et al. (2021) reported significant decreases in NH 3 emission and NH 3 content in Pigsʼ slurry when OP was included in the diets in two forms (dried and sun-dried silage). Similarly, Burmańczuk et al. (2015) found that adding zeolite at 5% of broilersʼ diet significantly decreased ammonia volatilization by about 33%. Also, N in pigs' manure was reduced by 15 and 22% when zeolite was added to diets in 2 different particle sizes (Leung et al. 2007). ...
The current study was designed to investigate the effect of dried orange pulp inclusion (OP diet), natural zeolite addition (Z diet), or both (OPZ diet) compared to control (CON diet) on digestibility, growth performance, nitrogen utilization, blood biochemical, antioxidative status, and cecum microbiota of growing rabbits. Seventy-two V-line male rabbits (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 balanced experimental groups. Results showed that administration of dried orange pulp or zeolite especially the OPZ diet significantly improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive values. Rabbits fed the experimental diets (OP, Z, or OPZ) recorded significantly higher values of average daily gain, N-retention, and N-balance compared with those fed the CON diet. Data on blood biochemical, showed non-significant differences in globulin concentrations, and significant decreases in levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides, and MDA (malondialdehyde) as an antioxidant biomarker with OP, Z, or OPZ diets. Moreover, the incorporation of orange pulp or zeolite in diets significantly decreased the cecal count of E. coli, with no significant difference in total bacterial count among the experimental groups. It could be concluded that a combination between dried orange pulp and natural zeolite in the diet can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant and health status of rabbits.
... Another strategy to reduce NH 3 volatilization is to use ammonia-binding feed additives, such as natural zeolite in diets of animal, which has a high a nity to ammonia ions (Ndegwa et al., 2008). Reduction in ammonia emission was observed when zeolite was added either to the diets of beef cattle (Bozkurt, 2006) or poultry (Burmańczuk et al., 2015). Besides the impact of natural zeolite on NH 3 volatilization, it has the ability to absorb mycotoxins in feed ingredients and eliminate their effect on animal health and performance (Herc et al., 2021;Abdulrahman et al., 2022). ...
Seventy-two V-line male rabbits (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 experimental groups to investigate the effect of dried orange pulp inclusion (OP diet), natural zeolite addition (Z diet), or both (OPZ diet) compared to control (CON diet) on digestibility, growth performance, nitrogen utilization, blood biochemical, antioxidative status, and cecum microbiota. Results showed that administration of dried orange pulp or zeolite especially the OPZ diet significantly improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive values. Rabbits fed the experimental diets (OP, Z, or OPZ) recorded significantly higher values of average daily gain, N-retention, and N-balance compared with those fed the CON diet. Data on blood biochemical, revealed non-significant increases in globulin concentrations, and significant decreases in levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides, and MDA (malondialdehyde) as an antioxidant biomarker with OP, Z, or OPZ diets. Moreover, the incorporation of orange pulp or zeolite in diets significantly decreased the cecal count of E. coli , with no significant difference in total bacterial count among the experimental groups. It could be concluded that a combination of dried orange pulp and natural zeolite in the diet can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant and health status of rabbits.
... , in detergent production(Van Dalen and Vooijs 2000; Sekhon and Sangha 2008;Fruijtier-Pölloth 2009;Ayele et al. 2016), in medicine and pharmacy (among other as potential drug carriers)(Andronikashvili et al. 2009;Pavelić and Hadzija 2010;Selvam et al. 2014;Mohammadkhani et al. 2016;Backova et al. 2018;Kraljević Pavelić et al. 2018;Krajišnik et al. 2019), environmental protection and engineering(Maèala et al. 2009;Wdowin et al. 2014b;Burmańczuk et al. 2015;Franus et al. 2015; Ates and Akgül 2016;Czarna et al. 2016), in cosmetology(Joughehdoust and Manafi 2008), in food industry(Kuley et al. 2012), in catalysis(Yilmaz and Müller 2009; ...
The fly ashes (Class F and C) have been successfully used as the main substrates in the hydrothermal syntheses of Na-A, Na-P1, Na-X and sodalite zeolites. Both ashes and their derivatives after milling with magnetic field grinder were used. The paper investigates the effect of fly ash fraction size on the syntheses efficiency and physicochemical properties of the obtained zeolites. The starting material and obtained zeolites were subjected to physicochemical characteristics using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscopy methods. The paper showed a significant effect of the used fly ash fractions on the quantity, purity, quality and level of crystallinity of the zeolites phase obtained. The application of the grinding process prior to the syntheses of zeolites, with a relatively small financial outlay, significantly increases their application potential. Obtained zeolites are a promising material in the context of their use, inter alia, in environmental protection.
Graphic abstract
... There are numerous studies on the use of NZ in poultry production and their results are inconsistently. Our results are partially in agreement with previous studies, which showed the NZ adding in the diet improved the growth performance (Eleroglu and Yalcin, 2005;Karamanlis et al., 2008;Burmanczuk et al., 2015). In this experiment, Our results of feed intake are in consistent with the works from Ozturk et al., (1998) and Incharoen et al., (2009) and Wu et al., (2013) who found that addition of zeolite to diet did not affect the FI but was not in agreement with results from Zhou et al., (2014) and Wu et al., (2015) regarding this parameter. ...
This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of natural zeolite on performance, carcass traits and the content of blood protein and calcium of broilers. A total of 240 Ross unsexed broiler chicks (one d old) were allocated into one control treatment and 3 zeolite treatments each containing 60 chicks, with 5 replicates and 12 birds each. Natural zeolite was added at the level of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% for the first as control, second, third and fourth treatments, respectively. Results indicating an effect (P < 0.05) on live body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the grower period (d 22 to 42) and entire period (d 1 to 42) by adding 1.5% natural zeolite comparing to others treatments. On the other hand, no differences were observed in feed intake, carcass yield and the relative weights of thigh (d 21 and 42). However, adding of 1.5% zeolite increased significantly (P < 0.05) the relative weight of breast, edible organs (heart, gizzard, liver) and the weight of tibia. The zeolite addition did not affect the blood protein, but the content of blood calcium was increased significantly by 1.5% zeolite in the diet. In conclusion, adding of 1.5% natural zeolite to broiler diet improved the live body weight, feed conversion ratio, tibia weight and increased the content of blood calcium without any adverse effects on birds.
... There are numerous studies on the use of NZ in poultry production and their results are inconsistently. Our results are partially in agreement with previous studies, which showed the NZ adding in the diet improved the growth performance (Eleroglu and Yalcin, 2005;Karamanlis et al., 2008;Burmanczuk et al., 2015). In this experiment, Our results of feed intake are in consistent with the works from Ozturk et al., (1998) and Incharoen et al., (2009) and Wu et al., (2013) who found that addition of zeolite to diet did not affect the FI but was not in agreement with results from Zhou et al., (2014) and Wu et al., (2015) regarding this parameter. ...
This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of natural zeolite on performance, carcass traits and the content of blood protein and calcium of broilers. A total of 240 Ross unsexed broiler chicks (one d old) were allocated into one control treatment and 3 zeolite treatments each containing 60 chicks, with 5 replicates and 12 birds each. Natural zeolite was added at the level of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% for the first as control, second, third and fourth treatments, respectively. Results indicating an effect (P < 0.05) on live body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the grower period (d 22 to 42) and entire period (d 1 to 42) by adding 1.5% natural zeolite comparing to others treatments. On the other hand, no differences were observed in feed intake, carcass yield and the relative weights of thigh (d 21 and 42). However, adding of 1.5% zeolite increased significantly (P < 0.05) the relative weight of breast, edible organs (heart, gizzard, liver) and the weight of tibia. The zeolite addition did not affect the blood protein, but the content of blood calcium was increased significantly by 1.5% zeolite in the diet. In conclusion, adding of 1.5% natural zeolite to broiler diet improved the live body weight, feed conversion ratio, tibia weight and increased the content of blood calcium without any adverse effects on birds.
... According to some reports, ZC in the intestine could bind to the organophosphate through an interaction with an -OH group or a dipole-dipole interaction and therefore can be excreted in the feces [50]. As a result, the role of ZC has been recognized in zootechnics and veterinary medicine where it has provided clear evidence on improving the physical fitness and efficiency of farm animals by removing numerous harmful substances from the body including ammonia, nitrates, mycotoxins, and other toxins [51]. The presence of ammonia and polar molecules in the environment is the result of intensive zootechnical and agricultural activities that pour these pollutants into the environment, contaminating our groundwater resources. ...
Zeolites are porous minerals with high absorbency and ion-exchange capacity. Their molecular structure is a dense network of AlO4 and SiO4 that generates cavities where water and other polar molecules or ions are inserted/exchanged. Even though there are several synthetic or natural occurring species of zeolites, the most widespread and studied is the naturally occurring zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC). ZC is an excellent detoxifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. As a result, it is been used in many industrial applications ranging from environmental remediation to oral applications/supplementation in vivo in humans as food supplements or medical devices. Moreover, the modification as micronization of ZC (M-ZC) or tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite (TMAZ) or furthermore as double tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite (PMA-ZC) allows improving its benefits in preclinical and clinical models. Despite its extensive use, many underlying action mechanisms of ZC in its natural or modified forms are still unclear, especially in humans. The main aim of this review is to shed light on the geochemical aspects and therapeutic potentials of ZC with a vision of endorsing further preclinical and clinical research on zeolites, in specific on the ZC and its modified forms as a potential agent for promoting human brain health and overall well-being.
Zeolite, as a natural mineral, could be a good additive for ducks, in line with pro-environmental trends. The study aimed to evaluate zeolite additives in feed for broiler ducks of both sexes on production results, meat quality, and the strength of the jejunum, tibia, and femur. The experiment used 200 Cherry Valley ducks, divided into a control group of males (CM) and females (CF) and an experimental group of males (ZM) and females (ZF). In the control groups, a commercial diet was used. In the experimental groups, 1% zeolite was added. The ZM group demonstrated higher body weight and weight gain than the CM group. Zeolite reduced the feed conversion ratio. A higher liver weight was found in the experimental group (ZM). Notably, zeolite influenced the weight of male pectoral muscles. Higher water loss in the pectoral muscles and higher protein content in the leg muscles were found in the same group. Females had a higher weight of neck and wings with skin. Female pectoral muscles had lower protein and water content. Zeolite in feed at a 1% level for broiler ducks could be recommended as a natural additive that positively affects the ducks' production results concerning good quality meat.
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two levels of clinoptilolite administered in feed (2% and 4%) on some selected performance indicators, metabolic utilization of basic nutrients and the health status of laying hens. The selected 24 Bovans Goldline hybrid laying hens were divided into three equal groups, two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C). The laying hens were housed individually in cages with an automatic supply of drinking water, manual feeding, in a setting with controlled light and temperature regimens. Hens from individual groups were all fed a complete feed mix of the same composition and the only difference was in clinoptilolite supplementation: feed mixes for E1 and E2 groups contained 2% and 4% of clinoptilolite (commercial additive ZeoFeed) respectively, replacing the same amounts of wheat. The hens received feed mixes and drinking water ad libitum. During this 28-day experiment, feed consumption and the number and weight of eggs laid were monitored individually for each hen. At the end of the experiment, the balance test using the indicator method (Cr(2)O(3)) was performed in all eight hens in each of the groups. The results of balance tests were then used to calculate the metabolic utilization of selected nutrients (nitrogen, fat, ash, nitrogen-free extracts, starch, gross energy, Ca, P). After the balance tests, blood samples for haematological and biochemical examinations were collected via puncture of the vena basilica. The addition of 2% clinoptilolite to feed mix resulted in a highly significant (P <= 0.01) increase in mean egg weight to 64.69 g, but the addition of 4% clinoptilolite in group E2 resulted in a highly significant (P <= 0.01) decrease in mean egg weight to 62.20 g compared to the control (63.73 g). Moreover, daily feed mix consumption in group E1 decreased to 114 g per one laying hen/day compared to the controls (118 g per one laying hen/day). In group E2 (4% clinoptilolite), daily consumption of feed mix increased compared with the controls to 124 g. The 2% clinoptilolite supplementation of E1 group feed slightly increased metabolic utilization of fat, nitrogen-free extracts, starch and gross energy compared to group C. Results of haematological test of the hens' blood showed significant changes in haemoglobin, whose values in groups C and E1 were significantly higher (P <= 0.05) than in group E2. Differences in the values of the biochemical indicators monitored (total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and the AST enzyme) between group C and experimental groups E1 and E2 were not significant and remained within the range of reference values.
This experiment was conducted to study the effects of natural zeolite on the performance of laying hens. One hundred and eighty 37-week-old Babcock B-300 hens were fed with a diet containing 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g clinoptilolite/kg in an experiment consisting of 36 hens per treatment during a 4x28 days experimental period. All feeding programs were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Hens were put at random into 5 treatment groups (12 replicates and 36 hens per treatment). No significant dietary effects were observed in terms of body weight, feed consumption, feed efficiency ratio, the number of eggs laid per hen, shell thickness, mortality or other criteria of egg quality (P>.05). Significant dietary effects of clinoptilolite feeding were observed in the form of a decrease in faecal moisture content (P
Increasing consumer demand for healthier food products has led to the development of governmental policies regarding health claims in many developed countries. In this context, contamination of poultry by food-borne pathogens is considered one of the major problems facing the progress of the poultry industry in Tunisia.
Zeolite (Clinoptilolites) was added to chicken feed at concentrations 0,5% or 1% and was evaluated for its effectiveness to reduce total flora in chickens and its effects on performance of the production. The broilers were given free and continuous access to a nutritionally non-limiting diet (in meal form)that was either a basal diet or a' zeolite diet' (the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 0,5% or 1%). It was found that adding zeolite in the broiler diet significantly (p < 0,05) reduced total flora levels, as compared to the control, on the chicken body. In addition, it was found that zeolite treatment had a positive effect on performance production and organoleptic parameters that were measured and mainly on the increase level of Omega 3 fatty acid.
This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for broilers, as part of a comprehensive program to control total flora at the broiler farm and to increase level of Omega 3 fatty acid on the chicken body.
The effects of dietary supplementation of Yucca schidigera and natural zeolite on broiler performance, ammonia concentration of broiler house, litter moisture, fecal dry matter and fecal crude ash were investigated. One day-old, nine hundred and sixty unsexed broiler chicks obtained from a commercial hatchery were divided into 4 treatment groups of 240 birds each. Birds were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets, consist of control, 15 g natural zeolite/kg, 25 g natural zeolite/kg and 120 mg Yucca schidigera /kg. Body weights of birds were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatments, birds fed on diet containing 120 mg Yucca schidigera /kg being the highest and this treatment was followed by chicks fed diet control at days 21 to 42 and 42nd day. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by the supplementation of Yucca schidigera and natural zeolite at days 21 to 42. From 21 to 42 and 42nd day of age, the feed intake was not significantly different between the treatments. Ammonia concentration of house was significantly (P<0.05) decreased by adding Yucca schidigera and natural zeolite to diet. The supplementation of Yucca schidigera and natural zeolite to the diet reduced significantly (P<0.01) fecal dry matter and crude ash. On the other hand, dry matter of the broiler litter and livability were not affected by treatments. It can be concluded that the supplementation of Yucca schidigera to the diet reduced ammonia concentration in broiler house, fecal dry matter and crude ash without any adverse effect of broiler performance.
The amelioration of aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens was examined by feeding two concentrations of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). Clinoptilolite (ClI), incorporated into the diet at 1.5 and 2.5 per cent, was evaluated for the ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2.5 mg total aflatoxin (AF) kg(-1)diet on growing broiler chicks from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 360 broiler chicks were divided into six treatment groups [Control, AF, CLI (1.5 per cent), AF plus CLI (1.5 per cent), CLI (2.5 per cent), and AF plus CLI (2.5 per cent)] each consisting of 60 chicks. Compared to controls, the AF consuming chicks showed increases in the relative weights of liver and kidney; and gross-histopathologic hepatic lesions such as paleness, friability, diffuse hydropic degeneration and/or fatty change, bile-duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis. Glumerular hypertrophy, increases in the number of mesengial cells and hydropic degeneration of tubuler epithelium in kidneys of chicks fed diet AF alone were also observed. Atrophy and lymphoid depletion were seen in the thymuses and bursa of Fabricius from the chicks fed AF alone. The additions of CLI (1.5 and 2.5 per cent) to the AF -containing diet moderately (significantly in some cases) decreased the number of affected broilers and/or the severity of lesions. The addition of CLI to the AF-free diet did not produce any significant changes compared with the controls. These results suggest that CLI was effective for the protection of AF-toxication in broilers and it could contribute to a solution of the AF problem in poultry production.
To investigate the effects of dietary combinations of zeolite, plant extract and vermiculite (ZEM ®) on growth performance and histologieal intestinal changes, male Simuki Cochin chickens were allotted to 3 groups of 12 birds each. They were fed ad libitum on a basal commercial mash diet with 0 (control), I and 2 g kg -1 dietary ZEM ®. A starter diet (CP, 21%; ME, 3,000 kcal kg -1) was fed to chickens until 2S day of age, at which point a grower diet (CP, 18%; ME, 2,850 kcal kg -1) was fed until 70 day of age. Feed intake and body weight gain tended to increase with increasing levels of dietary ZHM ® and feed efficiency tended to he highest in the I g kg -1 ZEM ® group. Most intestinal villus height, v ill us area, cell area and cell mitosis numbers were better than those of the control group and the duodenal cell Eireas and cell mitosis numhers of all intestinal parts were greater (p<0.05) in the ZEMfl groups than in ihe control group. ProtLiberated cells were observed on the villus tip of the ZEM ®groups. These histological changes indicate that the intestinal villi and epithelial cells were hypertrophied by ZEM ®. The present results suggest that chicken growth performance would be improved due to hypertrophied intestinal villi and epithelial cells after feeding ZLM ® and that ZEM ® is effective alimentation for chicken diets.
This volume consists of papers selected from those presented at ZEOLITE '76, an international conference on the occurrence, properties, and utilization of natural zeolites. The objective is to serve as a useful, basic reference in the field of natural zeolites. Topics covered include crystal structure and mineralogy, geology and occurrences, physical and chemical properties, and applications. (ACR)
Steady state experiments were conducted on arsenic sorption from aqueous solutions by natural solids to test the feasibility of these materials to act as concentrator for arsenic removal from groundwater and drinking water. The solids considered were natural zeolites, volcanic stone, and the cactaceous powder CACMM. The arsenic species studied were As(III), As(V), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and phenylarsonic acid (PHA). The arsenic removed was determined from the data obtained by measuring the concentration diminution of the arsenic species in the liquid phase at equilibrium before and after the adsorption experiment by means of ICP-AES for the total concentration of arsenic and IC-ICP-MS to determine the arsenic species. The latter method allowed the detection of As(V) additionally formed as a result of the oxidation of As(III) on some of the zeolites. The sorption of the arsenic species onto zeolites was studied on both non-activated and activated zeolites, as well as on zeolites hydrogenated or modified with iron, and with respect to varying pH. The kinetics and the ability to desorb and readsorb the arsenic species were investigated for selected zeolites.
This paper summarizes recent work on environmental applications of surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ), particularly for the removal of contaminants from water. SMZ was tested as a sorbent, and as a component of combined sorption/degradation media. Use of SMZ as a sorbent in a sub-surface permeable barrier was evaluated. A 15-week pilot test showed barrier retardation factors of 44 and 39 for chromate and PCE, respectively, similar to the values predicted from laboratory experiments. SMZ was also tested as a sorbent for organics present in oilfield wastewaters. Laboratory column experiments showed that major fuel components were effectively removed by SMZ and that the SMZ could be regenerated by air sparging. Finally, laboratory and field experiments showed that SMZ removed 99–100% of bacteria and viruses present in sewage effluent. The effectiveness of SMZ in combined sorption/degradation media was also evaluated. A permeable barrier pilot test with SMZ/zero-valent-iron pellets showed that chromate was totally removed from contaminated groundwater while PCE concentrations were reduced by two orders of magnitude. Finally, laboratory microcosm experiments showed that toluene-degrading organisms could be effectively cultured on SMZ.
Our recent findings demonstrate that HSCAS can prevent aflatoxicosis in chickens and swine and significantly decreases the level of aflatoxin M1 residues in the milk of lactating dairy cattle. The basic mechanism for this action appears to involve sequestration of aflatoxin in the gastrointestinal tract and chemisorption (i.e., tight binding) to HSCAS which results in a reduction in aflatoxin bioavailability. Research is in progress to elucidate the specificity of HSCAS action and to construct a series of selective chemisorbents for mycotoxin control in livestock and poultry.
The application of zeoliferous rocks, from Metaxades region (Thrace, Greece) to soils contaminated with mercury significantly reduced the concentrations of mercury in the shoots and roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Use of natural zeolites at application rates of 1%, 2% and 5% by soil weight caused reductions in mercury concentrations of up to 86.0% in shoots and 58.2% in roots, compared with controls with no added zeolites. The reductions are more pronounced in above-ground plant material than in roots of the two plant species. The use of natural zeolites, as soil additives, to reduce the uptake of mercury by plants and the restriction of the entry of mercury into the food chain, is noted.
The high ion-exchange capacity of zeolite (sodium aluminium silicate) enhances the removal of lead from water, thus decreasing its availability to fish. Zeolites are very important in the field of environmental preservation due to the low cost and ecological compatibility. Zeolites can adsorb metallic ions by cation exchange reactions. Continuous exposure of the teleost fish Heteropneustes fossilis to sublethal concentrations of lead nitrate in water solution for short (35 days) and long (120 days) periods decreased both the soluble protein, RNA and glycogen contents in the liver and the body weight, but increased the cholesterol content. The presence of zeolite in the exposure solution decreased all of the adverse effects. In fish exposed to zeolite as feed additive, all the parameters improved in comparison to control fish, indicating that zeolites can be used safely in biological systems.
The contamination of animal feed with mycotoxins represents a worldwide problem for farmers. These toxins originate from molds whose growth on living and stored plants is almost unavoidable particularly under moist conditions. Mycotoxin-containing feed can cause serious diseases in farm animals resulting in suffering and even death and thus can cause substantial economic losses. The most applied method for protecting animals against mycotoxicosis is the utilization of adsorbents mixed with the feed which are supposed to bind the mycotoxins efficiently in the gastro-intestinal tract. Aluminosilicates are the preferred adsorbents, followed by activated charcoal and special polymers. The efficiency of mycotoxin binders, however, differs considerably depending mainly on the chemical structure of both the adsorbent and the toxin. This review describes the most important types of adsorbents and the respective mechanisms of adsorption. Data of the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of detoxication are given.
The study was conducted to evaluate, under field conditions, the effect of the long-term dietary use of a natural zeolite (clinoptilolite, CLI) and antibacterials (chlortetracycline, CTC) on the concentrations of certain vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin E) and minerals (K, Na, P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn) in blood and body tissues of the sow. Twenty-four sows were assigned to two main experimental groups and four subgroups, depending on the presence or absence of CLI and CTC in their feed, respectively. CLI was provided to the sows from weaning, during the service, gestation and lactation periods and up to the date of the next service, while CTC was administered for a 2-week period post-service, as well as for a 2-week period following the allocation of the sows in the farrowing house, around 5 days prior to the expected parturition. Blood samples were collected on the starting day of the trial, on the 30th and the 90th day of each pregnancy, on the day of each parturition and on the day of each weaning. Furthermore, 20 sows were similarly distributed in the same experimental groups and subgroups and at the end of the trial they were slaughtered and liver and kidney samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Neither CLI nor CTC supplementation of the diets had any significant effect on vitamins' and minerals' uptake and their distribution in the body, since there was no alteration in their blood serum and liver/kidney concentrations. Furthermore, no CLI x CTC interaction was noticed.
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the long-term dietary use of a natural zeolite (clinoptilolite, NZ) on health status and reproductive performance of sows/gilts and performance of their litters, along with its compatibility with antibacterials (chlortetracycline, CTC) periodically used in medication programmes. Two hundred and forty sows/gilts and their litters were assigned to two main experimental groups and four subgroups, depending on the inclusion of NZ and CTC in their feed. During the trial, frequent sampling of pregnancy feed for mycotoxicological analysis revealed a high contamination level with zearalenone. No adverse or side effects attributed to NZ were noticed. Furthermore, the combined use of NZ and CTC revealed no clinically apparent interactive effect on the availability of the latter. Reproductive performance was significantly improved by the dietary inclusion of both NZ and CTC. The results also suggested that the beneficial effect of NZ could be additionally considered as an indicator of the amelioration of zearalenone exposure consequences.
The aim of this study was to investigate the salinity uptake by natural zeolite when used as an ingredient during the composting process. The amounts of 5% and 10% of natural zeolite were applied to poultry litter as volume and compared with the compost made with no amendment. The results clearly showed that the salinity level of poultry litter was too high. It was found that the salinity level in the end compost decreases with increasing the amount of natural zeolite used. Salinity uptake efficiencies were 66.64% and 88.92% for end product containing 5% and 10% natural zeolite, respectively. Significantly, the addition of natural zeolite to poultry litter compost was found to have a beneficial effect on the characteristics of the end product.
Natural Zeolites for the Third Millennium
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