The effect of natural zeolite on production index and Feed cost of Lohman chicks

The specific aim of this study was to determine the effects of varying levels of Natural Zeolite on production index and feed cost of 240 (male and female) Lohman chicks. In this study, using a completely randomized design with six treatments, four replicate and ten samples for seven week in three periods of starter (0-21 days), grower (21-42 days), and finish (42-49 days) were investigated. Maize and Soya were used to balance the diet and level of zero (control), 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 percent of zeolite was added and energy and protein levels were same in all diets prepared. The results obtained in the experiment showed that: The production index increased significantly (p< 0.05) with the increase in the level of zeolite in the diets and were highest (208.99) in treatment 5. Results indicated that body weight gain between treatment were statistically significant (p<0.05) and the highest daily live weight gain were related to treatment 5 with 4 % zeolite (49.10 g) and lowest value ( 44.28 g) were obtained from control with no zeolite in it. Between treatments the difference in feed conversion ratio were significant (p<0.05) and lowest value (2.11) were related to treatment 5 with 4 percent of zeolite .varying levels of zeolite did not have any significant effect on feed intake and Mortality. But the groups receiving 3% and 4% zeolite was exhibited best feed efficiency than the control group (p<0.05). The price per kg of food prepared were decreased to a lowest value in treatment 5 with 4% zeolite in it (p<0.05). Under the condition of this experiment, the use 4 percent of zeolite content the diet exhibited the best effects on performance and reduction of production cost.