UN SDG
Livestock Studies 1987, Vol 27, Num, 1-4     (Pages: 028-049)
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The Influence of zeolite on laying hen performance

Sakine YALÇIN 1 ,Ahmet ERGÜN 1 ,İrfan ÇOLPAN 1 ,Kemal KÜÇÜKERSAN 1

1 A. Ü. Veteriner Fakültesi Hayvan Besleme ve Beslenme Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Ankara - This study was carried out to determine the effect of rations containing 2-4 % of zeolites on feed consumption, feed efficiency, egg production, egg guality and levels of blood serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus of laying hens.

A four month study was conducted using a total of 150, fortyseven week week old Hisex Brown layers. There was a control and two treatment groups, each containing 50 hens.

Egg production and egg specific gravity were increased in hens fed diets containing 4 % zeolite. Hens fed 4 % zeolite had better feed efficiency. Yolk index value was higher in groups fed 2 % zeolites than other groups. No significant difference was found between groups for other egg gualities, the levels of blood serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus. The addition of zeolite to the rations did not cause any harmful effect on the health of laying hens. Keywords :