Effects of the usage of sepiolite with water in broiler grower feed on pellet quality and pellet production parameters

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of sepiolite with water on pellet quality and pellet production parameters for broiler grower feed under regular industrial conditions. Sepiolite, a natural feed additive, is a hydrated magnesium silicate. In the experiment, 12 mt pellet feeds for control and treatment groups with 6 batch were produced in a commercial feed factory. Each batch was 2 mt. Control group feed produced contained 88.80% dry matter, 19.22% crude protein and 1.85% crude fiber. For the treatment group feed, 1% sepiolite (Exal T) and 1% water was used ‘on top’ in the mixer. Pelleting disc having 3.5 mm hole diameter was used in the factory. Energy consumption and pelleting duration were increased at the level of 0.87% and 2.5%, respectively. The inclusion of sepiolite in the diet increased the pellet durability index significantly (P<0.001). Pellet durability index was found as 60.40% in control group feed and 67.99% in treatment group feed. Therefore, it is concluded that sepiolite with water usage into broiler grower feeds would be beneficial in pellet quality