Effects of Clinoptilolite on the Digestibility of Nutrients and Relative Organ Weights in Rat Diets

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the effects of dietary clinoptilolite on nutrient digestibility and relative organ weights in rats. In this study, 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates, according to a randomized split plots design. In addition to a control group (0% clinoptilolit), 3 levels of clinoptilolite (2%, 4%, and 6%) were used in the diets, and the rats were fed (individually in cages) these diets for 56 days. Statistically significant differences were found among the groups for the digestibility rates of nutrients (P0.05). In conclusion, clinoptilolites can be used in animal feed as natural toxin binders when stored under suitable conditions.