Original scientific paper
Results of zeolite application in fattening pigs on deep litter
Vladimir Margeta
Gordana Kralik
Abstract
The research was carried out on 160 four-way crossbred pigs of both sexes, all kept on deep litter. Pigs were divided into 4 groups. The first group was the control, the 2nd and the 3rd were given natural zeolite Anivital (supplemented to diets in the amount of 2.5% and 5%, respectively), while in the 4th group zeolite Aromavital was spread on deep litter in the amount of 3.5 kg/m2 of the pen. During the research period, microclimatic indicators and productive traits of pigs were constantly measured. After slaughtering of pigs in a slaughterhouse, quality traits of their carcasses and meat were determined. Pigs that were given Anivital supplemented to diets had statistically significantly higher (P<0.05) end weights, better gains, lower conversion and better food consumption than the control group. Pigs in the control group had the highest portion of muscle tissue in carcass. Results of microclimatic measurements proved that the most favorable microclimatic conditions occurred in the 4th group of pigs that were given Aromavital, and the worst conditions were obtained in the control group. It is concluded that supplementation of Anivital to pig diets had positive effects on the improvement of some productive traits. Moreover, spreading of Aromavital on deep litter resulted in improved microclimatic conditions within pens.
Keywords
pigs; fattening; deep litter; Anivital; Aromavital; microclimatic indicators
Hrčak ID:
4493
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2006.
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