Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of Zinc-Bearing Zeolite Clinoptilolite on Growth Performance, Nutrient Retention, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Intestinal Function of Broiler Chickens

  • Published:
Biological Trace Element Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite (Zn-ZCP) on performance, growth performance, nutrient retention, digestive enzyme activities, and intestinal function in broiler chickens. A total of 180 1-day-old Arbor Acres chickens were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates of ten birds for a 21-day feeding period. Birds were fed a basal corn-soybean meal diet (29.1 mg of Zn per kilogram of diet) without supplemental zinc (control) or the same diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg zinc from ZnSO4 or Zn-ZCP. Zn-ZCP and ZnSO4 treatments had lower feed: gain ratio than that of control group (P < 0.05). Addition of Zn-ZCP increased (P < 0.05) the apparent retention of organic matter and ether extract during 14–17 days, and increased (P < 0.05) pancreatic lipase activity at 14 and 21 days as well as amylase activity at 21 days. Addition of Zn-ZCP increased the villus heights and villus height to crypt depth ratio at the duodenal (P < 0.05) and jejunal (P < 0.05) of broilers at 14 days. Broilers fed the diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP had higher villus heights and villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum (P < 0.05) and jejunum (P < 0.05) than those fed with control diet on day 21. Zn-ZCP treatment increased (P < 0.05) IgG and sIgA concentrations in jejunum at 21 days. The results indicated that Zn-ZCP supplementation which might have modified the release of Zn further down in the intestinal tract with the controlled-release characteristic, modulated digestive enzyme activities and intestinal structure and function, increased nutrient retention, and improved feed efficiency.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Walker CF, Black RE (2004) Zinc and the risk for infectious disease. Annu Rev Nutr 24:255–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Bun SD, Guo YM, Guo FC, Ji FJ, Cao H (2011) Influence of organic zinc supplementation on the antioxidant status and immune responses of broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella. Poult Sci 90(6):1220–1226

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Cao J, Henry PR, Guo R, Holwerda RA, Toth JP, Littell RC, Miles RD, Ammerman CB (2000) Chemical characteristics and relative bioavailability of supplemental organic zinc sources for poultry and ruminants. J Anim Sci 78(8):2039–2054

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Huang YL, Lu L, Li SF, Luo XG, Liu B (2009) Relative bioavailabilities of organic zinc sources with different chelation strengths for broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet. J Anim Sci 87(6):2038–2046

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Mohanna C, Nys Y (1999) Effect of dietary zinc content and sources on the growth, body zinc deposition and retention, zinc excretion and immune response in chickens. Br Poult Sci 40(1):108–114

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Sandoval M, Henry PR, Ammerman CB, Miles RD, Littell RC (1997) Relative bioavailability of supplemental inorganic zinc sources for chicks. J Anim Sci 75(12):3195–3205

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Wedekind KJ, Hortin AE, Baker DH (1992) Methodology for assessing zinc bioavailability: efficacy estimates for zinc-methionine, zinc sulfate, and zinc oxide. J Anim Sci 70(1):178–187

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Zhang BK, Guo YM (2007) Beneficial effects of tetrabasic zinc chloride for weanling piglets and the bioavailability of zinc in tetrabasic form relative to ZnO. Anim Feed Sci Technol 135(1–2):75–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Hu CH, Gu LY, Luan ZS, Song J, Zhu K (2012) Effects of montmorillonite-zinc oxide hybrid on performance, diarrhea, intestinal permeability and morphology of weanling pigs. Anim Feed Sci Technol 177(1–2):108–115

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Hu CH, Qian ZC, Song J, Luan ZS, Zuo AY (2013) Effects of zinc oxide-montmorillonite hybrid on growth performance, intestinal structure, and function of broiler chicken. Poult Sci 92(1):143–150

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Hu CH, Xiao K, Song J, Luan ZS (2013) Effects of zinc oxide supported on zeolite on growth performance, intestinal microflora and permeability, and cytokines expression of weaned pigs. Anim Feed Sci Technol 181(1–4):65–71

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Leung S, Barrington S, Wan Y, Zhao X, El-Husseini B (2007) Zeolite (clinoptilolite) as feed additive to reduce manure mineral content. Bioresour Technol 98(17):3309–3316

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Pavelic K, Hadzija M, Bedrica L, Pavelic J, Dikic I, Katic M, Kralj M, Bosnar MH, Kapitanovic S, Poljak-Blazi M, Krizanac S, Stojkovic R, Jurin M, Subotic B, Colic M (2001) Natural zeolite clinoptilolite: new adjuvant in anticancer therapy. J Mol Med Jmm 78(12):708–720

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Papaioannou D, Katsoulos PD, Panousis N, Karatzias H (2005) The role of natural and synthetic zeolites as feed additives on the prevention and/or the treatment of certain farm animal diseases: a review. Microporous Mesoporous Mater 84(1–3):161–170

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Shariatmadari F (2008) The application of zeolite in poultry production. Worlds Poult Sci J 64(1):76–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Karamanlis X, Fortomaris P, Arsenos G, Dosis I, Papaioannou D, Batzios C, Kamarianos A (2008) The effect of a natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) on the performance of broiler chickens and the quality of their litter. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 21(11):1642–1650

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Mumpton F, Fishman P (1977) The application of natural zeolites in animal science and aquaculture. J Anim Sci 45(5):1188–1203

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Nakaue H, Koelliker J, Pierson M (1981) Studies with clinoptilolite in poultry. II. Effect of feeding broilers and the direct application of clinoptilolite (zeolite) on clean and reused broiler litter on broiler performance and house environment. Poult Sci 60(6):1221–1228

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Aguzzi C, Cerezo P, Viseras C, Caramella C (2007) Use of clays as drug delivery systems: possibilities and limitations. Appl Clay Sci 36(1–3):22–36

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Monte MBM, Middea A, Paiva PRP, Bernardi ACC, Rezende NGAM, Baptista M, Silva MG, Vargas H, Amorim HS, de Souza-Barros F (2009) Nutrient release by a Brazilian sedimentary zeolite. An Acad Bras Cienc 81(4):641–653

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Wheatley PS, Butler AR, Crane MS, Fox S, Xiao B, Rossi AG, Megson IL, Morris RE (2006) NO-releasing zeolites and their antithrombotic properties. J Am Chem Soc 128(2):502–509

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Hrenovic J, Milenkovic J, Ivankovic T, Rajic N (2012) Antibacterial activity of heavy metal-loaded natural zeolite. J Hazard Mater 201:260–264

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Spurlock ME (1997) Regulation of metabolism and growth during immune challenge: an overview of cytokine function. J Anim Sci 75(7):1773–1783

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Choct M (2009) Managing gut health through nutrition. Br Poult Sci 50(1):9–15

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Wang LC, Zhang TT, Wen C, Jiang ZY, Wang T, Zhou YM (2012) Protective effects of zinc-bearing clinoptilolite on broilers challenged with Salmonella pullorum. Poult Sci 91(8):1838–1845

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. AOAC (1990) Official methods of analysis, 15th edn. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington D.C

    Google Scholar 

  27. Adeola O, Shafer DJ, Nyachoti CM (2008) Nutrient and energy utilization in enzyme-supplemented starter and grower diets for White Pekin ducks. Poult Sci 87(2):255–263

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Somogyi M (1960) Modifications of two methods for the assay of amylase. Clin Chem 6:23–35

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Verduin PA, Punt JM, Kreutzer HH (1973) Studies on the determination of lipase activity. Clin Chim Acta 46(1):11–19

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Schwert GW, Takenaka Y (1955) A spectrophotometric determination of trypsin and chymotrypsin. Biochim Biophys Acta 16(4):570–575

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Bradford MM (1976) A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the principle of protein-dye binding. Anal Biochem 72:248–254

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Batal AB, Parr TM, Baker DH (2001) Zinc bioavailability in tetrabasic zinc chloride and the dietary zinc requirement of young chicks fed a soy concentrate diet. Poult Sci 80(1):87–90

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Emmert JL, Baker DH (1995) Zinc stores in chickens delay the onset of zinc deficiency symptoms. Poult Sci 74(6):1011–1021

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Nikolakakis I, Dotas V, Kargopoulos A, Hatzizisis L, Dotas D, Ampas Z (2013) Effect of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the performance and litter quality of broiler chickens. Turk J Vet Anim Sci 37(6):682–686

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Suchy P, Strakova E, Vecerek V, Klouda Z, Kracmarova E (2006) The effect of a clinoptilolite-based feed supplement on the performance of broiler chickens. Czech J Anim Sci 51(4):168–173

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Olver MD (1989) Effect of feeding clinoptilolite (zeolite) to three strains of laying hens. Br Poult Sci 30(1):115–121

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Hedemann MS, Jensen BB, Poulsen HD (2006) Influence of dietary zinc and copper on digestive enzyme activity and intestinal morphology in weaned pigs. J Anim Sci 84(12):3310–3320

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Szabo J, Hegedus M, Bruckner G, Kosa E, Andrasofszky E, Berta E (2004) Large doses of zinc oxide increases the activity of hydrolases in rats. J Nutr Biochem 15(4):206–209

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Lu J, Combs GF Jr (1988) Effect of excess dietary zinc on pancreatic exocrine function in the chick. J Nutr 118(6):681–689

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Xia MS, Hu CH, Xu ZR (2004) Effects of copper-bearing montmorillonite on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and intestinal microflora and morphology of male broilers. Poult Sci 83(11):1868–1875

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Miazzo R, Rosa CA, De Queiroz Carvalho EC, Magnoli C, Chiacchiera SM, Palacio G, Saenz M, Kikot A, Basaldella E, Dalcero A (2000) Efficacy of synthetic zeolite to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin in broiler chicks. Poult Sci 79(1):1–6

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Ramos AJ, Hernandez E (1997) Prevention of aflatoxicosis in farm animals by means of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate addition to feedstuffs: a review. Anim Feed Sci Technol 65(1–4):197–206

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Wu QJ, Zhou YM, Wu YN, Zhang LL, Wang T (2013) The effects of natural and modified clinoptilolite on intestinal barrier function and immune response to LPS in broiler chickens. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 153(1–2):70–76

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Pavelic K, Katic M, Sverko V, Marotti T, Bosnjak B, Balog T, Stojkovic R, Radacic M, Colic M, Poljak-Blazi M (2002) Immunostimulatory effect of natural clinoptilolite as a possible mechanism of its antimetastatic ability. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 128(1):37–44

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Bartlett JR, Smith MO (2003) Effects of different levels of zinc on the performance and immunocompetence of broilers under heat stress. Poult Sci 82(10):1580–1588

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Dardenne M, Savino W, Berrih S, Bach JF (1985) A zinc-dependent epitope on the molecule of thymulin, a thymic hormone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 82(20):7035–7038

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Sunder GS, Panda AK, Gopinath NCS, Rao SVR, Raju MVLN, Reddy MR, Kumar CV (2008) Effects of higher levels of zinc supplementation on performance, mineral availability, and immune competence in broiler chickens. J Appl Poult Res 17(1):79–86

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Ivkovic S, Deutsch U, Silberbach A, Walraph E, Mannel M (2004) Dietary supplementation with the tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite in immunodeficiency: effects on the immune system. Adv Ther 21(2):135–147

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the many helpful comments and suggestions of Zhengyu Jiang and Anhui Hewei Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. (Guangde, Xuancheng, Anhui, China) for providing the chicks without charge. The assistance of Gangyao Chen and Linfeng Li are gratefully acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China

    Zhigang Tang, Chao Wen, Ping Li, Tian Wang & Yanmin Zhou

Authors
  1. Zhigang Tang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chao Wen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ping Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tian Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yanmin Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yanmin Zhou.

Additional information

All other authors have read the manuscript and have agreed to submit it in its current form for consideration for publication in the Journal

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tang, Z., Wen, C., Li, P. et al. Effect of Zinc-Bearing Zeolite Clinoptilolite on Growth Performance, Nutrient Retention, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Intestinal Function of Broiler Chickens. Biol Trace Elem Res 158, 51–57 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-014-9900-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-014-9900-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation