Abstract:

In this study; it has been aimed to improve animal welfare in cattle feeding performed in Sanliurfa caves. In this scope; effect of zeolite used as feed additive and base on air climate in the caves, on some blood and ruminal fluid parameters and some cattle diseases were investigated. 40 caves with similar environments were included into the study. Caves contained 40-50 healthy male crossbred beef cattle between the ages of 1-1.5. These caves divided into four groups each containing 10 caves. In control group (n=10), zeolite was not used as feed additive or base. In group 1 (n=10), zeolite was used as base, but not as additive. In group 2 (n=10), a ration added with 2% zeolite, was used and no zeolit was used for base. In group 3 zeolite was used as both feed additive and base. Blood serum biochemical analyses (total NEFA, total protein, urea, cholesterol, trigliseride, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) and ruminal fluid composition (fatty acids, ammonia, pH) and barn ammonia gas levels were measured. Ruminal ammonia levels decreased in groups 2 and 3 at mid trial and post experimental period. Ruminal pH also decreased in group 3. Decreases of serum cholesterol and phosphorus in Group 2; potassium levels in group 3 were observed. With regard to concentrations of ammonia levels in the air, decreases were determined in Group 1 and 3 when compared with Control and Group 2. Thus barn smell significantly decreased in Groups 1 and 3. As a result, zeolite as feed additive and base had not significant effect on hematological and biochemical parameters of beef cattle. Furthermore, it had positive contribution to animal welfare and health as well as body weights by positively affecting the air quality in the barn

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