Zeólitas e yucca schidigera em rações para cães: palatabilidade, digestibilidade e redução de odores fecais

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the interference of extract additives of Yucca schidigera and zeolites (Clinoptilolita) on the palatability and digestibility of commercial rations and to evaluate their capacity for reducing fecal odor and improving of fecal consistency of dogs. It was used Beagle breed adult dogs with average weight of ±12.51 kg in 3 experiments, all of them in a completely randomized design. In the palatability test, performed on the first ten days, it was used 16 animals distributed in two diets (control diet, with 1.00% zeolite and control diet + 375 ppm Yucca schidigera) and, on reduction of fecal odor test, performed on the six following days, it was used 14 animals distributed in seven diets (one control and the other six formulated from control diet, containing Yucca schidigera (125, 250 or 375 ppm) or zeolites (0.50; 0.75 or 100%, however). These diets were also used in the digestibility and fecal score trials performed with 21 animals during 20 days. The inclusion of these aditivies in the diet does not harm the palatability neither digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and gross energy of the supplied food. Levels of 0.75% and 1.0% of zeolites significantly reduce odor of feces and increase fecal consistency when added to commercial rations for dogs.