Matija Domaćinović

INFLUENCE OF FEEDING THE PROBIOTIC PIONEER PDFM® TO GROWING LAMBS ON PERFORMANCES AND BLOOD COMPOSITION

The research has been conducted on 48 weaned lambs divided into two groups (C-control and E-experimental) and lasted for 35 days. To lambs in group E the probiotic PIONEER PDFM (R) was added to the fodder Lambs in group E had larger average body weights, greater daily weight gain, increased average daily intake and a better feed efficiency, compared to group C. However, differences between groups have not been statistically significant. The concentration of calcium in the blood serum of group E (2.16 mmol/l) on the 35th day has been statistically lower (P < 0.01) compared to group C (2.38 mmol/l). The concentration of chloride was statistically higher in group E (P < 0.05) on the 19th day (104.75:103.38 nmol/L) and statistically lower (P < 0.05) on the 35 th day (106.00: 107.33 mmol/L). The concentration of iron in the blood serum was statistically higher (P < 0.05) on the 19th and the 35th dayin group E (26.29 and 33.00mmol/l) than in group C (21.97 and 29.15 mmol/l) ; concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in the blood serum were statistically higher on the 35th day in group E (2.74 and 4.95 mmol/l) than in group C (2.41 and 4.65 mmol1l). Lambs in group E had in the blood sera statistically lower (P < 0.01) concentrations of glucose and urea. The activities of the enzymes ALT AST and CK measured on the 35th day of fattening were lower (P < 0. 01) compared to group C. The concentrations of total bilirubin and triglycerides were statistically higher in group E than in group C.

Natural zeolite clinoptilolite as a feed additive of weaned piglets

Introduction Natural zeolites are crystalline alumosilicates of volcanic origin with unique cationexchange and absorption properties and have a variety of uses both in industry and in agriculture. After ingestion, powdered clinoptilolites are inert and do not react chemically with food or body fluids. Their properties not to bind amino acids, vitamins and minerals, as well as no to have a detrimental effect on the composition of the serum (Papaioannou et al., 2002) make it suitable for administration in the diet of domestic animals. There are not many data showing systemic effects of zeolits on haematopoiesis and enymatic activities. Ivkovic et al. (2004) found that blood count parameters were not relevantly affected using a natural zeolite clinoptilolite as the dietary supplement. With regard to serum chemistry, Pond and Yen (1983) found no effect of zeolite on plasma potassium, sodium and magnesium lewels in swine. When applied externally in powder form, zeolite has been found to quicken the healing of burns of a bitch (Bedrica at all, 2003) and wounds after surgical incisions (Mumpton F. A., 1999). A faster growing rate with clinoptilolite addition in lambs without differences in carcass characteristics, but faecal egg counts were reduced (Deligiannis et al, 2005) was also determined. Nevertheless, a positive effect of the addition of organozeolite to the feed of piglets (Stojic et al., 1998), sows and gilts (Kyriakis et al., 2002; Papaioannou et al., 2002), diary cows (Enemark et al, 2003) were established.

Influence of zeolite application in pig breeding on biogas production

Adding zeolite in fodder improves digestion and animal development, and as a supplement for litter it reduces ammonia (NH3)emission. The aim of the research is to determine the effect of using zeolite in pig feeding and as a supplement for litter on biogas production on pig breeding farms. Determined differences in biogas amount and content were not statistically significant, which means that zeolite application does not jeopardize biogas production.