Effect of Different Forms of Natural Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) on Productive Performance and Behavioral Patterns of Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to analyze the effect of different forms of natural zeolite on productive performance, behavioral patterns and litter moisture content of the broiler. A total of 300 one day old chicks (Cobb) were randomly allocated into equally six groups and treated from second week of age till marketing. The first one (G1) was treated with zeolite hanged in air (100 gm/m 2 ), the second (G2) was given zeolite in diet (15 g/kg), the third (G3) was supplied with zeolite in litter (100 g/kg), the fourth (G4) was treated with zeolite hanged in air and added to diet, the fifth (G5) was given all forms of zeolite and the sixth group was the control one which do not receive any form of zeolite (G6). The obtained data showed that the addition of zeolite in diet (G2) and combination of zeolite in all forms (G5) raised the marketing body weight and daily body weight gain. Moreover, using of zeolite in hanged (G1) and/or diet (G2 and G4) improved feed conversion ratio. However, the addition of zeolite in all treatments did not affect daily feed and water intake or carcass traits. Furthermore, moisture content decreased significantly by zeolite supplementation in litter (G4 and G5). Crouching time increased in G5 than others while, standing time, wing and leg stretch frequency a significantly decreased in G2. Walking and scratching frequencies increased in G3, while, floor exploration decreased in G1. So, it is recommended to add natural zeolite in the three forms (hanged, diet and litter) in the broiler house to increase their productive performance and litter moisture.