The influence of hydrated aluminosilicate on biochemical and haematological blood parameters, growth performance and carcass traits of pigs

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of dietary inclusion of the hydrated aluminosilicate ATN at the level of 5 g kg-1 diet on haematological and biochemical parameters of blood and productive performance of growing pigs. The major contents of ATN are clinoptilolite and montmorillonite. Fifteen pigs fed basal diet (Control group) and fifteen pigs fed diet with 5 g kg-1 added ATN (ATN group) were used in this experiment. The following indices in whole blood were determinated; hematocrit, haemoglobin level, total leucocyte count and activity of antioxidative enzymes in hemolysate. In the blood serum the activity of selected enzymes, metabolic parameters, electrolytes and thyroid hormone status was estimated. Growth rate, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, dressing percentage, chemical composition of muscle, lean meat and fat content of primal cuts were also estimated. ATN decreased concentration of urea nitrogen and total cholesterol and increased the concentration of sodium and calcium and ALT activity in blood serum. Daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were positively affected by addition of ATN. The inclusion of ATN did not influence slaughter parameters. Pigs fed a diet with ATN had increased water content and water holding capacity and decreased fat content in muscle. © Medwell Journals, 2012.