Gut health and physiological aspects of broiler chicken fed zeolite as a dietary supplement: its effect on growth, cecal microbiota and digesta viscosity, digestive enzymes, carcass traits, blood constituents and antioxidant parameters
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of dietary zeolite supplementation on growth, cecal microbiota and digesta viscosity, digestive enzymes, carcass traits, blood constituents, and antioxidant parameters of broilers. A completely randomized design was used with 240 one-day-old broiler chicks randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (0%, 1.5%, and 3% zeolite as a feed additive) with four replicates of 20 chicks each. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that growth performance was enhanced by the addition of zeolite, especially at the 3% supplementation level. Both blood biochemistry and hematological parameters showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) with supplementation at both 3% and 1.5% zeolite levels. Antioxidant parameters indicated significantly elevated serum amylase activity and total antioxidant capacity with both 3% and 1.5% zeolite diets. Cecal microbiota was improved by zeolite, enhancing beneficial bacteria and reducing E. coli and anaerobes. Carcass characteristics were positively influenced by 3% zeolite. Digesta viscosity and intestinal pH decreased with zeolite inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of zeolite up to 3% in broiler diets had positive effects on diverse aspects of health, intestinal microbiota, performance, and blood constituents.
Source: BMC Veterinary Research
Institution: Fayoum University
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W4414083244