The effect of dietary clinoptilolite supplemention on growth performance, meat quality and footpad dermatitis development in broiler chickens reared under different stocking densities

Purpose: The effect of adding clinoptilolite to the rations of broilers raised in different stocking densities on performance, meat quality and development of foodpad dermatitis was investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 512 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were distributed to 4 different experimental groups in a 2x2 factorial arrangement, including 8 replicates, with the effect of stocking density (12-20 birds/m2 and dietary clinoptilolite (%0 and 2) to be examined. Aviagen (2019) based corn-soybean meal rations were presented ad libitum in accordance with the energy and nutrient requirements specified in. While the live performance data were determined on the 0, 10, 24 and 42 days of the study, meat quality, carcass yield and intestinal viscosity parameters were examined after slaughtering the birds at the end of the trial. Results: While high stocking density suppressed BW on the 42nd day (2247 and 2410 g; P=0.001) and BWG in the whole trial (2367 and 2203 g, p=0.001), 0-42 of the study. Between days (3736 and 3518 g; P=0.01) decreased FI. On the other hand, the determined factors did not have a significant effect on FCR. In addition, while the moisture and temperature levels of the litter increased in the groups with high stocking density, an increase in footpad inflammations was determined. The addition of clinoptilolite had a positive effect on meat quality by increasing the cooking loss and water holding capacity of the meat. Conclusion: It was determined that the addition of clinoptilolite to the ration was insufficient to eliminate the negative effects of high stocking density on performance, litter quality, and footpad health. Key words: Broiler Chicken, Clinoptilolite, Growth Performance, Stocking Density.