Abstract
Background: The paper presents the findings of a broad analytical review of the use of bentonite clays as a mineral feed additive in poultry farming in order to increase productivity and prevent diseases. It has been shown that an important direction in improving the technology of veterinary preventive measures is the introduction of new methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases in quails with the use of drugs with bioactive properties that can have a regulatory effect on the intensity of metabolic processes and enhance the functional activity of organs and body systems. The emphasis is placed on the unique properties of bentonite as high adsorption, catalytic, and ion-exchange activity. Methods: Using the comparison method, the authors studied preliminary studies of the chemical and mineralogical composition of the montmorillonite clay of the Pogadaevsky deposit of the West Kazakhstan region. The method of scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the local elemental composition of the provided samples. The mass spectrometry method was used to determine the chemical elemental composition. In addition, the X-ray diffractometry method was used to determine the mineralogical composition. Results: According to the results of scientific and experimental research, it was established that the studied clay has a significant sorption activity. Conclusion: The first scientific experiments on the effect of bentonite-like (montmorillonite) clay on the egg production of quails showed its significant effectiveness.