Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite in the diet and its relationship to the apparent digestibility of nutrients and urinary pH in adult dogs

Inclusão do extrato de Yucca schidigera e da zeólita na dieta e sua relação com a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e pH urinário de cães adultos

ABSTRACT:

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) added to the diets for dogs and its effect on apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of diet components (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid hydrolyzed fat, and energy) and urinary pH. Twenty-one adult Beagles, males and females, body weight mean of 12.5±1.5kg and four and a half years old, distributed in a completely randomized design with seven replicates per treatment within three experimental treatments: control (no addition ofYucca schidigera and zeolite),Yucca schidigera (375ppm) and zeolite (1%), administered in the encapsulated form of the supplement. The ADC of diet components and urinary pH were not affected by the inclusion of additives (P>0.05), except the ADC acid hydrolyzed fat showed reduction withYucca schidigera supplementation compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). The addition of 375ppm ofYucca schidigera extract reduced the digestibility of dietary fat by dogs and both Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite did not affect the urinary pH of dogs.

Key words:
canines; clinoptilolite; nutritional additives; saponin