The effect of mineral adsorbents in poultry production

Abstract

The quality of poultry feed is an important precondition to achieve optimal production results, and the preservation of the health status of animals, especially in intensive livestock production, hence it is necessary to control both raw materials and finished feed mixtures. The presence of fungi (moulds) in food for animals is a natural phenomenon, not an exception. Sources of contamination of poultry feed with fungi and resulting mycotoxins vary, starting with raw materials (e.g. corn as the most common component) during harvest and transport, during storage of raw materials and finished products, as well as in the production process and manipulation of poultry feed. Mineral adsorbents are increasingly used in poultry production, especially in the nutrition of various types and categories of poultry, to control fungal contamination. Using different mineral adsorbents in poultry nutrition can prevent the losses due to mycotoxicosis. It can also prevent appearance of toxic residues in poultry products, improve production and reproductive ability of birds, and contribute to improving the quality of poultry products. In addition, the use of mineral adsorbents in poultry feeds has application in neutralising the harmful effects of mycotoxins in buildings where poultry is reared. © World's Poultry Science Association 2013.