Zeolite as a feed additive to reduce salmonella and improve production performance in broilers

Abstract

Zeolite (clinopitolites) was added to broiler feed at concentrations of 1.0%, 1.5% or 2.0% and was evaluated for its effectiveness to reduce Salmonella in broilers and its effects on production performance. These experiments were conducted both in the summer and winter seasons. It was found that adding zeolite in the broiler diet significantly (p<0.05) reduced Salmonella levels, as compared to the control, on the chicken body, in the ceca and on the chicken carcass, both in the winter and summer seasons. In addition, it was found that zeolite treatments had a positive effect on the production parameters that were measured, but only in the winter season. This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for broilers, as part of a comprehensive program to control Salmonella at the broiler farm. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011.