STUDY THE EFFECT OF ZEOLITE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYING HENS UNDER DESERT CONDITIONS

Abstract

This study conducted to investigate the effects of dietary zeolite on egg production, egg quality and blood constituents of laying hens under drinking saline well water conditions of South Sinai. A total number of 180 Golden Montazh hens (22- weeks old and body weight of 1629.72 ± 23.54 g) were randomly divided into six equal groups (30 hens / group). 1st group, hens drank tap water and fed basal diet. The 2nd group, hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite. The 3rd group, hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 4 % zeolite. 4th group, hens drank saline well water and fed basal diet. 5th group, hens drank saline well water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite. 6th group, hens drank saline well water and fed diet containing 4 % zeolite. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were significant lower in the hens of 4th group compared to other treatments. MCV was significantly increased in the hens of 4th group when compared to the hens of 1st group, hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite (2nd group) and hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 4 % zeolite (3rd group). MCHC was significantly decreased in the hens of 4th group as compared to the hens drank tap water (1st group), hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite (2nd group), hens drank tap water and fed diet containing 4 % zeolite (3rd group) and hens drank saline well water and fed diet containing 2 % zeolite (5th group). Hens of 4th group showed significant decrease in total protein, globulin, glucose and total antioxidant capacity concentrations as compared to the hens of 1st and 2nd groups. Alanine transaminase, aspartic transaminase and creatinine were significantly increased in the hens of 4th group compared to other treatments. Aldosterone hormone was significantly decreased in the hens of 4th group compared to them in 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups. Egg weight significantly increased in the hens of 6th group compared with hens in 1st and 4th groups. Egg number and egg mass were significant increase in the 2nd, 3rd and 6th groups compared to hens in 1st, 4th and 5th groups. Hens of 2nd, 3rd and 6th groups had significantly improved feed conversion compared to hens of 4th group. Hens of 4th group had significantly decreased shell thickness compared to other treatments. In conclusion, under hot desert and drinking saline well water conditions, supplementation of zeolite (clinoptilolite) at a level of 4% to the diets of laying hens improved productive performance and eggshell quality