The effect of sodium bentonite on growth performance and some blood parameters in post-weaning Tuj breed lambs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium bentonite supplementation on fattening performance and some blood parameters in Tuj lambs. In the study, 18 male lambs were divided into 3 groups. While the control group was fed with basal ration, the experimental groups were fed with sodium bentonite supplementation 1% and 2% dose in addition to the basal ration. On the 0th, 15th, and 30th days of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of mean live weights, live weight gain, daily live weight gain, daily feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). On the 45th day of the study, the difference between the groups in terms of live weight gain, daily live weight gain and feed conversion ratio were statistically found significant (P 0.05).The use of sodium bentonite in Tuj breed lambs was statistically found significant in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzyme activities (CAT) (P <0.05). In conclusion, the use of sodium bentonite in Tuj lambs positively affected fattening performance. When the blood antioxidant parameters were examined, increase in SOD and CAT values was protective against oxidative damage in lambs used sodium bentonite. However, the increase in MDA value has doubted the safety sodium bentonite use in lambs.