A farmer arrived with a gift. Because Helmut Schirmbrand — our father and the founder of KALKMEISTER — had helped her with a paste he had mixed himself. For a sick cow. And he did that even though he had only intended to stop by for a moment. That is our dad. And that is also the story of this article: How a simple volcanic mineral can change life on a dairy farm — from the calf pen to the slurry pit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I remember many conversations with my father, where he would say that he would love to buy up all the weak calves. He was so certain that we could heal them and make them viable with zeolite. This absolute conviction — he didn’t get that from books. It came from years of observation, from conversations with zeolite pioneers and farmers, and from a deep respect for what nature gives us.
And the beautiful thing is: he was right.
What farmers feel instinctively
Anyone who picks up STALLKRAFT bedding for the first time notices immediately: it is different. Not dusty, not heavy. Fine, soft, with a delicate herbal scent — peppermint, fennel, lavender. And farmers tell us this again and again: they pick up the bedding, rub it between their fingers, and say — you can feel the quality immediately. That is something special.
Interestingly, only the animals truly smell the herbal scent. For us humans, it is subtle. But cows standing on STALLKRAFT bedding for the first time often react immediately — they lick, they sniff, they relax. This is no coincidence. This is zoopharmacognosy (= the natural self-medication of animals that instinctively recognize what is good for them). See also Prof. Dr. Karl Hecht on this.
The real challenges in cattle farming
Cattle farming is one of the most demanding tasks in agriculture. Costs are rising, price pressure is enormous, and the animals need more attention than ever before. The most common problems we hear from farmers:
Mastitis (= udder inflammation) remains the most expensive disease in the dairy industry worldwide. It costs money — through discarded milk, veterinary costs, antibiotics, working time, and in the worst case, the loss of the animal. Many farms struggle with it for years.
High somatic cell counts (= SCC — a measure of udder health; the higher it is, the more inflammatory processes in the udder, the worse the milk quality) are often the result of poor stable climate and damp lying stalls. Anyone with high cell counts cannot deliver milk, or cannot deliver it fully — this hits the economic core. No one wants a "millionaire" (a cow whose cell count is over 1 million) in this context.
Ketosis (= dangerous metabolic disease after calving, where the cow has too little energy and breaks down its own fat reserves — can lead to liver failure) and milk fever (= hypocalcemia, life-threatening calcium deficiency shortly after birth) are among the most common diseases around calving.
Mortellaro (= digital dermatitis, a contagious hoof disease caused by bacteria that often becomes chronic and is difficult to treat) costs time, money, and puts the animals under stress.
Diarrhea in calves remains one of the most common causes of death in young animals — especially in the first weeks of life.
And then there are the things that people talk about less: mold in feed, mycotoxins (= mold toxins), aggressive bulls with open sores, skin diseases during relocation. All of this costs nerves, time, and money.
Zeolite helps with all of this — from the inside and from the outside.
What zeolite does in the bovine body — fresh studies from veterinary journals
Metabolomics study, University of Zagreb 2021
This is one of the most scientifically sophisticated studies on zeolite in dairy cows ever published. Maity et al., published in the journal Metabolites (MDPI), examined 16 high-yielding Holstein cows — 8 with zeolite supplementation, 8 as a control group — using state-of-the-art methods: metabolomics (= the analysis of all metabolic products in the blood) and proteomics (= the analysis of all proteins in the blood). 64 differentially expressed proteins and 21 different metabolites were identified.
The result: Clinoptilolite zeolite restores the energy balance (= the equilibrium between energy intake and consumption) in high-yielding dairy cows after calving. It reduces the negative energy balance (= NEB, the critical phase in which the cow consumes more energy than it takes in) and thus lowers the risk of ketosis, mastitis, and fatty liver simultaneously.
"Dietary zeolite clinoptilolite supplementation restores energy balance in high yielding dairy cows." — Maity et al. (2021), Metabolites, DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120842
New study on reproduction and colostrum 2023
A 2023 Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research paper examined Holstein cows that received zeolite during the prenatal period. The result: improved reproductive parameters after calving, better colostrum quality (= first milk after birth, crucial for calf immunity), and better body condition score (= BCS, a measure of the cow's nutritional status).
Mastitis study — Gračner et al., MDPI Animals 2020
78 dairy cows, divided into a zeolite group and a control group. Milk samples were examined on days 7, 25, 45, and 75 after calving. The zeolite group had only 27 infected udder quarters in 14 cows — the control group had 59 infected udder quarters in 24 cows. The risk of an udder infection was 1.96 times higher in the control group.
"Cows from the CON group had a 1.96 times higher risk of intramammary infection than cows from the CPL group." — Gračner et al. (2020), MDPI Animals, DOI: 10.3390/ani10020202
Cell counts and milk yield — Ural 2014
A study showed directly: zeolite supplementation improved both milk yield and somatic cell count (= SCC) — both at the same time. Fewer inflammations, more and better milk.
Large field study — Katsoulos et al. 2006, Veterinary Record
52 Holstein cows, divided into three groups. The group with 2.5% clinoptilolite produced 9,273 kg of milk over 305 days — that is 765 kg more than the control group with 8,508 kg. At the same time, only 1 case of ketosis instead of 7 in the control group. Liver values remained normal in all animals — zeolite had no negative effects.
Calf study — University of Thessaloniki, Leipzig 2011
84 newborn calves in three groups. The zeolite groups had significantly higher antibody concentrations after 12, 24, and 48 hours — stronger immunity from birth. In the first 6 days, 7 control calves had E. coli diarrhea — in the zeolite groups, only 3. Body weight was significantly higher in the zeolite groups at the end of the trial (day 60). And the rumen wall of the control animals showed chronic inflammation after slaughter — in the zeolite animals: no changes.
What farmers report from practice
“With the calves, I add half a tablespoon of zeolite to the feed at every meal or one tablespoon once a day. Since then, I have noticed that they gain weight much faster, don't have diarrhea, and are just fitter. They have been very robust since then."
“When moving the small bulls, we always had the problem that they would get skin diseases. Ringworm or fungal diseases with bald patches. And since I’ve been using STALLKRAFT regularly as bedding, that is gone. When re-stocking, the stable is virtually cleaned and sanitized. The diseases are gone. No more bald patches. And the smell in the stable is much better. And I am fully convinced by that."
And then, almost casually: "And I mix zeolite with organic apple cider vinegar to make a paste, and that goes on the udder. That works really great for udder inflammation."
“We are a dairy farm. Therefore, udder health is very important to me. Due to the bedding, the lying bays are dry, and the zeolite is anti-inflammatory and reduces germs. The cleaner and more hygienic it is, the less germ pressure there is for the udder. The healthier the animals are. And the cell count of the milk is right."
“The best thing is that I can deliver every liter of milk. Because we don't have to select animals, the milking work also goes much faster."
“Since we use STALLKRAFT bedding, the cell count in the cows is down to 70,000. That is very, very low. We used to always be at 150–200,000."
And at the same time:
“The risk of udder inflammation has gone down extremely. We haven't had a single case of mastitis in our stable anymore. We used to always have the hoof disease Mortellaro in the stable. After we let the cows run through a lime bath after the milking parlor, it has decreased significantly."
“By adding lime, I save on straw in the lying bays. The liquid is soaked up, so I have to use less straw for bedding. It is more hygienic and it smells better. And there is no more Mortellaro because we also lime the stable."
“Anyone who skimps on quality pays dearly! Because we have been liming regularly for years with finely powdered slurry lime, we only need 300–400 kg per hectare. If you stop liming once, it gets expensive because you have to start all over again. The important thing is to do it continuously."
“We mix TIERKRAFT zeolite with organic apple cider vinegar to make a paste. That goes on the udder. Works great! Mastitis is a thing of the past."
“By regularly spreading a shovel of lime over the floor, not only is the ammonia content in the manure bound, but the development of odors is also significantly reduced. The result is a noticeably cleaner and fresher environment."
And then comes something surprising:
“Interestingly, the pigs seem to appreciate this additive — they like to take the lime off the floor."
This applies just as much to cattle. Animals know what is good for them.
F., Schönau — From the stable into the slurry and onto the field
“We use STALLKRAFT as a slurry additive directly in the slurry pit. The slurry is much more homogeneous and easier to spread. There is less stench. Everything flows more easily, and that also means less work. We are now starting to use it for bedding as well. Virtually one step further ahead in the cycle. Because the decomposition then begins in the stable, NH3 is already bound there, and mites and mold fungi no longer have a chance."
“Have only used the STALLKRAFT in the stable for a few days now, and it is truly incredible how quickly the unpleasant smell is almost eliminated. Can only recommend it to every animal owner. It is more pleasant not only for the neighbors but for us too."
The mastitis paste — a special tip that many already know
A zeolite-apple cider vinegar paste applied externally to the udder — that is a tip that has long been passed on among experienced farmers. And it works. Why?
Zeolite forms a protective film on the skin surface. It actively absorbs wound secretions and inflammatory products — and when the paste dries out after a few hours and falls off on its own, it takes these pollutants with it. Meanwhile, new germs from the stable environment cannot penetrate the inflamed tissue.
Organic apple cider vinegar lowers the pH (= acidity) of the paste to a slightly acidic environment — in which pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus and coliform germs can barely multiply.
Clinoptilolite also has an antibacterial effect — this has been proven in laboratory studies (Haydel et al. 2008: clay minerals inhibit a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacteria).
How to use the paste: Mix STALLKRAFT with organic apple cider vinegar into a creamy paste. Apply to the affected teats and udder — create intensive contact by rubbing it in. Leave to take effect for a few hours until the paste dries and falls off on its own. Repeat several times a day until healing is complete.
And another tip from experienced farmers: also massage it in preventively after calving, when the udders are large and heavy. This is no effort. This is care.
AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms — the third force in the cattle stable
Zeolite and lime are strong. They become even stronger in combination with AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms — produced at the Loidholdhof in Upper Austria.
What AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms do in the cattle stable:
It starts the healthy fermentation process (= natural transformation of organic substances by microorganisms) already in the stable. This means less rot, less odor, a better stable climate — and a slurry that arrives on the field already pre-activated. The slurry becomes more homogeneous, is easier to stir, and flows more evenly out of the pit.
Bernhard Keplinger, an organic farmer from Bad Leonfelden, reports: "Since then, the climate in the barn has improved tremendously. The smell of the slurry is better, stirring is much easier, and we no longer have flies in the barn. This year we had an almost tropical climate and neighboring farms couldn't keep the flies away. We had almost none. Even the vet asked us what we are doing in the barn."
AM+PLUS in the cattle barn — how to use it:
As barn air nebulization: 0.2 liters of AM+PLUS per 10 liters of water; spray into the barn air and onto the bedding areas at least 3 times a week. This reduces odor, germs, and flies simultaneously.
In the slurry: 0.1 liters of AM+PLUS per cubic meter of slurry — stir in well, let ferment for 10 days before spreading. The result: higher-quality, more nutrient-rich slurry.
GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX — Keeping nitrogen in the slurry
Every kilo of nitrogen that escapes into the air as ammonia (NH₃) is a lost kilo of fertilizer. And it is a burden — for neighbors, for the environment, and for regulatory requirements.
GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX binds this ammonia nitrogen in the slurry before it escapes. The nitrogen remains bound in the liquid and is fully available to the plants upon application.
And here is something important to know: GÜLLEKRAFT does NOT settle in the slurry. This is one of the most common objections we hear — and it is not true. Thanks to our tribomechanical grinding process, the particles are so fine that they remain suspended in the slurry. 20 kg of STALLKRAFT or GÜLLEKRAFT per m³ of slurry is enough to achieve a homogeneous (= evenly mixed) slurry that does not separate.
The result: up to 80% nitrogen utilization in the field — significantly more than without treatment. What is good for the soil is also good for your wallet — and for the neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions from practice
❓Can STALLKRAFT bedding also be eaten?
Yes. STALLKRAFT bedding contains high-quality feed lime. The organic herbs have a stimulating effect on digestion and well-being. Zeolite optimizes the feed from within. If a cow licks bedding, it does so for a good reason.
❓How much do I need to spread?
The lying area must always be dry. 200–300 g per m² daily — adjust accordingly for cubicles and deep bedding areas. Many farms use a feed mixer wagon: 700 kg straw, 1,000 kg STALLKRAFT, 600 liters of water — and the perfect mix is ready.
❓Does the bedding have a disinfecting effect?
Not in the chemical sense. Conventional disinfectants have a pH value of over 10 and are caustic. STALLKRAFT has a pH value of 7–9 and dries naturally. Above a pH value of 8, NH₃ escapes — with STALLKRAFT, this pH value is maintained and ammonia is bound instead of released. That is the decisive difference.
❓What to do about Mortellaro (digital dermatitis)?
From the inside: TIERKRAFT Zeolite as a feed supplement. From the outside: set up a lime bath and let the cows walk through STALLKRAFT bedding after milking. The hooves dry out, germs are bound, and healing begins.
❓Does GÜLLEKRAFT settle in the slurry?
No. This is one of the most important features of our product. Due to the tribomechanical grinding process, the particles are so fine that they remain in suspension and distribute evenly throughout the slurry.
Application & Dosage — as simple as possible
STALLKRAFT bedding: 200–300 g/m² daily. Always keep the lying area dry. For Mortellaro: set up a lime bath, let cows walk through after milking.
TIERKRAFT Zeolite as a feed supplement: 0.5% (this is our recommendation because the powder is so effective) but max. 1% (per feed authority guidelines) of the total daily ration; mix into moist feed. Especially valuable in the last 4 weeks before calving and in the first weeks of lactation.
Zeolite-Apple Cider Vinegar Paste: Mix STALLKRAFT with organic apple cider vinegar to a creamy paste, apply to affected udder areas, repeat several times daily.
AM+PLUS Barn Air: 0.2 L per 10 L water, spray at least 3 times a week.
AM+PLUS Slurry: 0.1 L per m³ of slurry, stir in well, let ferment for 10 days.
GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX: 20 kg per m³ of slurry for homogeneous, nitrogen-rich slurry.
Our STEINKRAFT products for cattle farming
👉 STALLKRAFT bedding — zeolite, lime, and organic herbs (Ca 20.5%, Mg 11.1%, Si 3.3%, pH 7–9) for dry, hygienic cubicles
👉 TIERKRAFT Zeolite — 100% clinoptilolite feed supplement for cattle, calves, dairy cows
👉 AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms — for barn air, slurry, and udder health
👉 GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX — NH₃ binder for valuable, homogeneous slurry
You can find all products on our Livestock Collection Page
Read more
What animals really need – Prof. Hecht on zoopharmacognosy and zeolite
Zeolite in livestock farming: What studies really show
Somatic cell counts in milk too high – what really helps
NH₃ binding in slurry: Concrete recommendations for action
Source references
Maity S. et al. (2021): Integrated Metabolomics and Proteomics Dynamics Reveals Dietary Zeolite Clinoptilolite Supplementation Restores Energy Balance in High Yielding Dairy Cows. Metabolites, DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120842 · Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research (2023): Zeolite-supplemented diets in the prenatal period affected postpartum reproductive parameters and colostrum production · Gračner D. et al. (2020): Effects of Dietary Vibroactivated Clinoptilolite on Intramammary Microbiological Findings. MDPI Animals, DOI: 10.3390/ani10020202 · Katsoulos P.D. et al. (2006): Effects of long-term feeding supplemented with clinoptilolite on ketosis, milk yield and liver function. Veterinary Record 159(13), S. 415–418 · Karatzia M.A. et al. (2013): Diet supplementation with clinoptilolite improves energy status, reproductive efficiency and increases milk yield. Animal Production Science 53, S. 234–239 · Fratric N. et al. (2005): Effect of a clinoptilolite based mineral adsorber on IgG in newborn calves. Acta Veterinaria (Beograd) 55, S. 11–21 · Ural D.A. (2014): Efficacy of clinoptilolite supplementation on milk yield and somatic cell count. Revista MVZ Córdoba 19(3) · Haydel S.E. et al. (2008): Broad-spectrum antibacterial activities of clay minerals. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 61, S. 353–361
Any questions? 🌿
In our FAQ, you will find all the answers regarding zeolite — from quality and dosage to application. For people, animals, and the garden.
👉 All questions & answers →About the author
Michaela Schirmbrand-Pfeiffer
Co-founder of STEINKRAFT · Psychologist & Organizational Consultant
I grew up on a farm — and that leaves a mark. My father, Helmut Schirmbrand, spent decades observing and testing zeolite on farms. Today, there is STEINKRAFT — with the goal of bringing this extraordinary volcanic mineral into practice.
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