Use of zeolite as zinc oxide replacement to control diarrhea in weaned pigs (from 8 to 20 kg): preliminary results on growth and microbiological profile of feces

Research was carried out on inert clays as feed additives, especially due to their great adsorption capacity. Some studies have identified in clays a possible replacement to zinc oxide provided as antimicrobial to control diarrhea in weaned piglet. Clays were observed to reduce the incidence, severity, and duration of diarrhea, and to modify the microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in a more favorable microflora. This study aims at investigating the effect on live weight gain (LWG) and feces traits of zeolite inclusion as replacement of zinc oxide in feed for pig post-weaning