UN SDG
Livestock Studies 1995, Vol 35, Num, 3-4     (Pages: 026-043)
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The Effects of Zeolite on Fattening Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Limozin x Jersey (F1) Crossbred bulls

İrfan ÇOLPAN 1 ,Sakir Doğan TUNCER 1 ,Ahmet G. ÖNOL 1 ,Gültekin YILDIZ 1

1 A Ü. Veteriner Fakültesi Hayvan Besleme ve Beslenme Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Ankara -TÜRKİYE - This study was carried out to investigate the effects of zeolite (1.5 %) added to the ration, on the fattening performance, slaughtering and carcass characteristics of Limousin x Jersey crossbred beef cattIe. Totally 12 male beef cattle, 12 -18 months old were used in two groups. The research groups were consisted of 6 animals, 6 animals as control group did not received zeolite in their ration.

The rations of the groups contained 80 % concentrates and 20 % roughages consisting of 85% sugar beet pulp and 15% wheat straw. All animals were fed according to the live weight of animals.

The average of final weights of beef cattle in the groups were 333.25 and 354.80 kg respectively. Overall daily weight gain was found to be 1132 g in the control group; 1246 g in the experimental group. The differences between the groups were found to be nonsignificant.

The average daily dıy matter consumptions were 8.896 and 9.247 kg for all groups respectively. On the other hand, the average total dry matter consumptions per kg weight gain were 7.860 and 7.418 kg, respectively. According to the results, it would be concluded that zeolite group improved the feed conversion rate more than the control group at the level of 5.63 %.

At the end of the fattening period, the average cold carcass weights and the average total meat weights in the carcass were found to be 188.60 and 148.23 kg for the control group; 204.20 and 161.00 kg for the experiment group. The differences between the groups with the respect to these values were statistically significant (P<0.05).

The average hot and cold dressing percentages were found to be 56.71 and 55.54 % in the control group; 56.54 and 55.39 % in the group fed zeolite (P>0.05). The differences between control and experiment groups with respect to other carcass rneasurernents were not significant (P>0.05).

According to the results of this research, it is concluded that 1.5 % zeolite added to the ration has positive effect on fattening performance and slaughtering and carcass characteristics. Therefore, addition of zeolite in this level to the beef cattles ration would be beneficial. Keywords : Zeolite, Beef cattle, Fattening perforrnance, Slaughtering and carcass characteristics