The Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Hydrated Aluminosilicate on Performance and Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens.

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.