The Development of Application Study of Attapulgite in Feed

Attapulgite is a kind of clay mineral characterized by adsorptivity, ion exchangeability and colloidality. As a feed raw material or additive, attapulgite can improve feed pellet quality. It can effectively adsorb toxic and harmful substances in the intestinal tract when ingested by animals, such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, bacterial toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, dietary attapulgite can strengthen the intestinal physical barrier and improve animal health and pellet feed quality. Meanwhile, it can prolong digesta retention time in the digestive tract, and elevate animal production performance and product quality. Furthermore, attapulgite inclusion can reduce harmful gas emissions and optimize the breeding environment. Research concerning the application of attapulgite in feed has evolved from preliminary exploration in the 1980s to rapid development since the 21st century. This review systematically sorts out the research evolution of attapulgite application in feed, ranging from the initial conventional application in the early stage to the current functional high−value utilization. It analyzes and clarifies the correlation and mechanism between the physicochemical properties and nutritional regulation of attapulgite, and summarizes the research progress on the modification and performance improvement of attapulgite. In addition, the development direction of attapulgite in feed is prospected, focusing on industry challenges such as livestock pathogen prevention and antibiotic resistance gene reduction. The review aims to provide references and technical solutions for the rational use of attapulgite in feed and the development of healthy livestock breeding.