Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
World's Poultry Science Journal, cilt.81, sa.3, ss.793-809, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
SUMMARY: Poultry production is increasing significantly throughout the world. For this reason, for the past few decades, a considerable amount of effort has been directed to increase efficiency in broiler and laying hen production. In this context, one promising way to decrease production costs and increase nutritional effectiveness is the use of feed additives. Sepiolite, a hydrated magnesium silicate in the group of phyllosilicates, is a promising feed additive in poultry nutrition. The wide range of applications of sepiolite is based on its high absorption and adsorption capacity. Sepiolite is a chemically inert material and has been approved in the European Union as a feed additive for a binder, anti-caking agent and coagulant for all animal species. It can be used as a feed additive in all animal species at levels up to 2% without causing any adverse effects. However, the performance and digestibility effects of sepiolite were inconsistent in the literature. As the level of sepiolite in the litter increased, the pH, moisture and ammonia levels in the litter significantly decreased. This effect is most likely attributed to sepiolite’s high water absorption capacity. The addition of sepiolite in pellet feed production significantly reduces dust. Sepiolite is likely to be most beneficial as a feed additive, a litter material, and a pellet binder for sustainable poultry production.