Prevention of Left Displacements of the Abomasum in Cattle by Adding Zeolite Mineral to Feeds

Gas accumulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of abomasum displacements. Zeolite is a natural gas adsorbing mineral . The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite addition to feeds in cattle on incidence of left displaced abomasum and some biochemical parameters. In the first step, the effects of zeolite minerals were investigated on the hematological, serum biochemical parameters and rumen metabolites in a total of 20 cattle. Trial Group-1(n=10) was fed with a ration supplemented with zeolite at 2.5 percent while Control Group-1 consumed a ration without zeolite supplementation. Cholesterol and phosphorus levels were lower (P <0.05) and calcium levels were higher (P <0.05) in the trial group to compared control group. In addition, zeolite lowered the ammonia level in the rumen fluid (P <0.05). In the second step, the effect of zeolite mineral supplementation on the incidence of abomasum displacement in cattle was investigated. Among 60 animals fed with a ration without zeolite supplementation (Control Group -2) left-sided abomasum displacement was observed in two animals While abomasum displacement was not observed among 120 animals (Trial-2 Group) consumed a ration supplemented with zeolite at 2.5 per cent. As a result, in terms of the parameters examined in the study; zeolite addition to feed hasn’t any side effect, decrease the risk of occurrence of left-sided abomasal displacement and hypocalcemia, increase ruminal movements and appetite