Zeolite in cow nutrition

New strategies and commercial products must be developed to improve animal health and performance, based on their safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study is to summarize the beneficial effects of currently used alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, i.e. probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, phytogenic compound sand zeolites on health and growth performance in farm animals (swine, poultry and ruminants)

Someone who is not an expert might think that straw and hay are simply dry grass. However, if one understands the difference that zeolite makes to quality, then even these products take on exceptional value. Thus, in a single field, we can grow as many as forty different varieties without any further intervention when we wish to use the crop as feed for cows. We can obtain energy from plants that produce seeds and protein from plants such as clover. So, rather than relying on monocultures and then resorting to artificial mixtures and supplements – if we respect cows as ... Read more

D. Papaioannou, P.D. Katsoulos, N. Panousis *, H. Karatzias Clinic of Productive Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece Received 4 April 2005; received in revised form 12 May 2005; accepted 12 May 2005 Available online 28 June 2005 Abstract This review discusses the role of zeolites as feed additives in the prevention and/or treatment of certain diseases in farm animals. Both natural and synthetic zeolites have been used in animal nutrition primarily to improve performance traits and, based on their fundamental physicochemical properties, they have also been tested and found to be ... Read more

Doctoral Thesis Author Karatzia, Maria-Anastasia H., Supervisor: Roubias, Nikolaos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2010. Subject An experimental study investigated the effect of adding a natural zeolite, clinoptilolite, to the cattle diet on the prevention of subacute dyspeptic acidosis (UDA). Ten healthy Holstein cows, which were in the dry period and not pregnant, were used. Following the creation of a permanent external fistula in the rumen, the animals were fed for 21 days on a diet that met their maintenance requirements (3 kg of alfalfa hay, 3 kg of wheat straw and 2.5 kg of concentrated feed ... Read more

Doctoral thesis Author Pourliotis, Konstantinos D., Supervisor: Karatzias, Charilaos, Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Veterinary Medicine. Subject The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the effect of adding clinoptilolite to the feed on the absorption of E.coli on the health and performance of suckling calves. A total of 84 newborn Holstein calves were used; these were examined prior to the start of the experiment and found to be healthy. The animals were divided into three equally sized, homogeneous groups (groups A, B and C). Group C served as the control group, whilst groups A and B ... Read more

Lecture by Nikos Lygeros on the topic: ‘The gift of life: zeolite’. ‘ERMIS’ Hotel, Didymoteicho. Wednesday 12 March 2014

zeolite can be added to animal feed in powder form, at a rate of 2 per cent of their feed ration. It cleanses their digestive system of heavy metals, free radicals and toxins. Using 2–3 kilograms of zeolite per square metre on the floor of stables or other areas where animals are kept, it significantly reduces odours by absorbing and neutralising ammonia and hydrogen sulphide.

Use of zeolite on a farm. Trikala – N. Lygeros Incorporation into animal feed at 2 per cent Incorporation into the animal trough. Incorporated into the animals’ living area. Photographs

One of the most impressive benefits of using zeolite is its effect on milk quality. We already know from an earlier study that supplementing cows’ diets with zeolite leads to a 17 per cent increase in production. Thanks to the natural detoxification effect caused by zeolite, which binds free radicals, toxins and heavy metals, it is only natural that the animal’s body is in better physical condition and, consequently, achieves better production performance. Applications of zeolite in water purification have demonstrated its effectiveness in combating cyanobacteria. The most recent applications of zeolite, this time in the feeding of ewes, show ... Read more