Metabolic effects of zeolite as natural feed supplement for grower pigs

• Main Author: Wan, Yonghong, 1966-
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 2005
• Subjects: Swine > Feeding and feeds.; Zeolites.; Feed additives.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=84085

The rapid growth of Canadian pork industry has been challenged by its negative impact on the environment. To find an economical and promising solution to the environmental problems, 4% zeolite (90%+ clinoptilolite) were supplemented to a regular (100% crude protein (CP) and energy) or low CP and energy (90% CP and 90% energy or 90% CP and 85% energy) grower pig diets. Twenty male and twenty-four female grower pigs were used in two feeding experiments respectively, followed by a metabolic test with three batches of animals repeated to determine the metabolic effects of zeolite supplementation. Pig performance (body weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio), and metabolic parameters (manure mass, feed intake, protein and energy conversion, as well as dry feed and organic matter retention) were evaluated. Zeolite supplementation at 4% to a regular diet for grower pigs had a positive but not significant (P > 0.05) effect on all pig performance and metabolic parameters, compared to the regular diet without zeolite. Among 4 rations, pigs on a regular diet with 4% zeolite performed consistently best throughout the entire trail, with decreased average daily consumption and reduced amount of feces, increased feed and organic matter retention in the gastrointestinal tract, improved feed as well as protein and energy conversion, and enhanced body weight gain. Moreover, zeolite supplementation at 4%, with 90% CP and 90% energy in grower pig diets, improved feed and protein and energy conversion rate, and increased body weight gain, when compared to those of pigs fed a regular diet without zeolite. However, a diet of 90% of CP and 85% of energy with 4% zeolite significantly (P < 0.05) increased feed consumption and the amount of feces produced, and decreased feed and organic matter retention in the gastrointestinal tract, thus reducing feed conversion rate. Therefore, 4% zeolite supplementation to the regular or low CP and energy (90% C === Key words. Clinoptilolite, Pig, Pig Performance, Metabolic Parameter.