Zeolite Powder -

Cattle Use and

Benefits

Zeolite is of Great Use

in the Cattle Industry

Beef Cattle

Powdered Zeolite is excellent in regard to cattle feed lots because it can reduce the smell of the feed yard. Additionally, it can increase the feed efficiency by 6-8 % and also increase the grade and quality of the meat. It can almost totally eliminate the fly problems and increase the quality of the manure so it can be better used as fertilizer. It will almost totally eliminate cattle feed lot environmental problems by eliminating the smell, and by reducing the leaching of contaminants into the environment due to rain water carrying ammonia and pathogens and settling into the ground. It will almost totally reduce resistance problems and scours and other unhealthy problems in the herd as well as shipping problems with the animals.

Dairy Cattle

Zeolite is also ideal in regard to dairy cattle feed because it improves feed efficiencies by 6-8% and increases milk production. Zeolite significantly reduces incidence of milk fever and mastitis. It can almost totally eliminate fly problems and increases the quality of the manure for use as fertilizer. In regard to dairy operations, zeolite almost totally eliminates environmental problems in the dairy by eliminating the smell and reducing the leaching of contaminants into the water. Zeolite improves dairy cow health by greatly reducing (if not eliminating) respiratory problems and scours and other healthy problems in dairy herds.

Specific Practices in Regard to Use of Zeolite in Cattle

Industry

Odor Control Increasingly, there is legislation is mandating the control of odor in regard to cattle operations. The most effective way to control odor is to feed powdered zeolite to cattle in quantities of 1⁄2% to 2% of the total ration. The reason that this is so effective is that as zeolite passes through the alimentary tract in the cattle, it exchanges the ammonium cation in the alimentary track before it gases to ammonia and creates odor. The proper way is to feed the cattle just enough zeolite so that there is no ammonia smell to the urine or manure. Mycotoxin Binding The use of zeolites as mycotoxin binders is not yet recognized for its effectiveness by the USDA in the United States. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of zeolites as mycotoxin binders is recognized in many other countries. Literature and studies, however, are becoming pervasive in the United States and so it is just a matter of time before the USDA recognizes this effective use of zeolite. Reduced Mortality Continuous feeding of powdered zeolite to cattle results in greater animal longevity (all else being equal). Improved Feed Conversion and Productivity Feeding powdered zeolite to cattle typically results in greater food conversion rates. Animals gain faster with less food. Dairy cows provide more milk. Improved indexing (meat quality) has been reported with beef cattle. Better Phosphate Utilization Powdered zeolite exchanges its calcium for ammonia and other toxins which increases the availability of calcium in bones. This allows for up to a 50% reduction in the feed ration of dicalcium phosphate. Flow Agent/Anti Caking Agent Powdered zeolite helps as a flow agent and anti-caking agent in feed processing. Increased Pellet Durability Powdered zeolite gelatinization when creating feed pellets, thus creating a more durable pellet. Reduced Necessity for Antibiotics The use of zeolite in animal feed increases gain and productivity and overall health. An interesting side effect that has been noted by ranchers is that antibiotics are less needed in bringing beef cattle market. In Europe where zeolite is commonly fed, antibiotics are rarely used. Acts as a Buffer in the Rumen Reduces acidosis especially when pellets are fed where the fiber has been partially destroyed. Zeolite Adds Value to Manure and Compost The introduction of powdered zeolite in cattle feeds results in manure, compost, and lagoon water that holds nitrogen, water and other micro-nutrients longer in the growth zone, providing a medium for the future capture of nitrogen, increasing the ion exchange capacity of the soil, providing potassium and calcium, and enhancing growth in all respects. Increased Animal Welfare The use of zeolite in feed and in controlling odors in feed lots gives rise to greater animal health creates better animal welfare, better products, greater production, and lessens the usage of antibiotics and medicines that may have lasting adverse effects to the human population. Groundwater Pollution Control Powdered zeolite assists in fixing the nitrogen, ammonia and heavy metals thereby reduces the pollution of the groundwater.