Evaluating the Effect of Using Different Methods of Adding Zeolite in Poultry Farms and Its Effect on some Welfare Characters of Broiler Ross 308

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted in poultry farm of the Department of Animal Production - College of Agriculture - University of Kufa for the period 9/11/2023 to 15/12/2023 for a period of 5 weeks. The study aims to evaluate of used different methods of adding zeolite on some welfare characters of broiler Ross 308 during winter. 300 unsexed, hybrid broiler chicks Ross 308 were randomly distributed into five treatments (each treatment included 60 chicks, with 3 replicates, and each replicate included 20 birds). The chicks were fed three starter diets, grower diet and finisher diet. The treatments were as follows: Control T0 (without addition), T1, T2 adding zeolite by ⅓ and ⅔ of the litter weight respectively, T3, T4 adding zeolite as filter method (Handled) by ⅓ and ⅔ of the litter weight respectively. The results indicated that: A significant improvement (p>0.05) in some welfare characters of broiler, when adding zeolite by reduced inflammation of feet soles and arthritis of hock joint, and significantly improved the cleanliness and quality of feathers compared to control treatment.