Absorption of silicon and aluminum by hens fed sodium zeolite A with various levels of dietary cholecalciferol.
Two experiments were conducted to determine whether 1) serum Si and Al is increased in hens intubated with sodium zeolite A (SZA); and 2) dietary cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) influences the absorption of Si or Al by hens fed SZA. In Experiment 1, hens were intubated at oviposition with 0, 1, or 2 g of SZA. Blood samples were collected from the brachial vein at oviposition, and 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h postoviposition. Serum samples were analyzed for Si and Al. Peak serum Si and Al were observed at 4 and 8 h postoviposition, respectively. In Experiment 2, hens consumed commercial layer diets ad libitum containing five levels of dietary cholecalciferol (100 to 500 IU/kg) with or without .75% SZA for 6 wk. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 6-wk period by cardiac puncture at oviposition. When dietary cholecalciferol was increased from 100 to 200 IU/kg of diet there was an increase (P < .05) in serum Si but not Al. Levels of cholecalciferol above 200 IU/kg did not produce an additional increase in serum Si. The results showed increased (P < .01) serum concentrations of Si and Al for hens intubated with or fed SZA. It was concluded that Si and Al from SZA are absorbed by commercial Leghorn hens, and a possible involvement of Si or Al should be considered in the mechanism of action of SZA associated with improved eggshell quality and bone development.
Rabon
H W
HW
Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Alabama 36849, USA.
Roland
D A
DA
Bryant
M M
MM
Smith
R C
RC
Barnes
D G
DG
Laurent
S M
SM
D000042:Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D000535:Aluminum / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000097:blood*; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D012825:Silicon / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013997:Time Factors; D017641:Zeolites / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D017641:Zeolites; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D000535:Aluminum; D012825:Silicon