Determination of the Physicochemical Properties of Bentonite Samples from South Khorasan Province and Investigation of the Effects of Selected Samples on the Physical Quality of Pelleted Feed

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hossein Mohammadian 1
Mohammad Hassan Fathi Nasri 2
Mohsen Mojtahedi 3
1 Former M.Sc. Student of Animal Nutrition, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand
2 Department of Animal Science- Faculty of Agriculture- University of Birjand
3 Former Assistant Professor, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand
10.22077/jlr.2026.11973.1068
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of different bentonite samples from South Khorasan Province and to evaluate their effects on the physical quality (durability or hardness) of pelleted feed. For this purpose, 13 bentonite samples were collected from different mines in South Khorasan Province. After determining their physical characteristics, including moisture content, pH, sedimentation index, swelling index, and water absorption capacity, two samples were selected and designated as A and B. Each selected bentonite sample was then incorporated into a broiler grower concentrate (corn- and soybean-based) at two inclusion levels (1 and 2%), and the concentrates were subsequently pelleted. Five experimental treatments, including the control (concentrate without bentonite), A1 (concentrate containing 1% type A bentonite), A2 (concentrate containing 2% type A bentonite), B1 (concentrate containing 1% type B bentonite), and B2 (concentrate containing 2% type B bentonite), were compared based on the hardness index. The results showed that the addition of bentonite at both 1 and 2% inclusion levels significantly increased the physical durability of the pelleted feed compared with the control concentrate. Among the treatments, B2 exhibited the highest hardness index based on the different tests performed.







Keywords: Bentonite, Livestock feed, Pellet, Quality index, South Khorasan
Keywords
Bentonite
Livestock feed
Pellet
Quality index
South Khorasan
Subjects