• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.149-156
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• 1989

Two broiler experiments were carried out to determine whether supplementation of zeolite in the diet would affect broiler performance and economical efficiency. Day old male broiler chickens of Abor Acres strain were used. In the first experiment,60 birds were distributed into f groups of 10 birds each. Three groups of chickens were randomly placed on one of the following single-stage (0-6wks) experimental diets； control diet (non-supplemented) or 2% zeolite supplemented diet (supplemented to the control). In the second experiment,216 birds were distributed into 24 groups of 9 birds each. Eight groups of chickens were randomly placed on one of the 3 two-stage diet (starter；0-4wks, finisher；5-7wks)；control diet ($T_1$ , non-supplemented), 2% zeolite diet ($T_2$：isocaloric and isonitrogenous as $T_1$ ) and 2% zeolite supplemented diet ($T_3$, supplemented to the control). Birds were housed in the batteries, and feeds and water were fed ad libitum. The results of Experiment 1 showed that birds fed control diet were heavier than those fed 2% zeolite supplemented diet up to 4th wks of age. However, birds fed the latter grew more at 5th and 6th wk. Overall weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were not significantly different. The results of Experiment 2 showed that there were no significant differences in weight gains, feed intakes and feed efficiencies among treatments during starter, finisher to overall period. The moisture levels in excreta of the birds were significantly (P＜0.01) less when zeolite was included in the diets and those in excreta significantly (P ＜ 0.01) increased as the ambient temperature increased. Economical efficiency expressed in fed cost (won) required per kg weight gin were 346.55 (T$_3$),348.34 ($T_1$ ) and 359.85 ($T_2$).