Effect of Azomite on Growth Performance, Nutrient Retention, Immunity and Bone Mineralization of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Present study was carried out to investigate the effect of azomite (AZO) on the growth performance, nutrient availability, intestinal enzymes activity, immune function, and bone mineralization of broiler chickens. A total of 240-day old male chicks were randomly assigned into comprising four treatments with six replicates (n=10), which included control (basal diet), control +0.25% AZO, control + 0.50% AZO and control + kitasamycin (as AGPs). The results indicate that LBGW, ADG and FCR was significantly (P<0.05) improved in AZO 0.25% and 0.50% than the control. Eviscerated (EV), breast muscle (BM) and leg muscle (LM) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the AZO 0.50% treated groups than control. Digestibility of DM, CP, AME, Ca and P digestibility significant (P<0.05) higher in AZO 0.25% and 0.50% dietary treatments. Moreover, jejunal amylase and trypsin activity were improved in AZO 0.25% and 0.50% supplemented groups. CREAT was significantly increased in AZO 0.50% treatment, while IgG was significantly improved in AZO 0.25% treatment. Tibia diameter (TD), tibia breaking strength (TBS) were numerical higher in AZO 0.25%, while Ca and P % was significantly (P<0.05) increased in Azomite 0.25% treatment. The results indicated that addition of azomite at the dose of 0.25% and 0.50% in the diet had beneficial effect on growth performance, retention of nutrients, digestive enzymes and bone mineralization.