A farmer came with a gift. Because Helmut Schirmbrand — our father and the founder of KALKMEISTER — had helped her with a homemade paste. A sick cow. And that, even though he really only wanted to stop by briefly. That is our dad. And that is also the story of this article: How a simple volcanic mineral can change life on the cattle farm — from the calf box to the manure pit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I remember many conversations with my father, where he told me that he would love to buy up all the weak calves. He was so sure that we could heal them and make them viable with zeolite. This absolute conviction — he didn't get it 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 instinctively feel
Anyone who takes STALLKRAFT bedding in their hand for the first time immediately notices: this is different. Not dusty, not heavy. Fine, soft, with a delicate herbal scent — peppermint, fennel, lavender. And farmers tell us again and again: they take the bedding in their hand, rub it between their fingers and say — you can feel the quality immediately. That is something special.
Interestingly, only the animals really smell the herbal scent. For us humans, it is delicate. But cows that stand 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, who 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) is still the most expensive disease in the dairy industry worldwide. It costs money — through discarded milk, veterinary costs, antibiotics, labor time, and in the worst case, the loss of the animal. Many farms struggle with it for years.
High cell counts (= SCC, Somatic Cell Count — a measure of udder health; the higher, the more inflammatory processes in the udder, the worse the milk quality) are often the result of a bad barn climate and damp lying boxes. Anyone who has high cell counts cannot deliver milk or not fully — that hits hard economically. No one wants a "millionaire" (a cow whose cell count is over 1 million) in this context.
Ketosis (= dangerous metabolic disease after calving, in which the cow has too little energy and breaks down its own fat reserves — can lead to liver failure) and calving paralysis (= milk fever, life-threatening calcium deficiency shortly after birth) are among the most common diseases around calving.
Mortellaro (= digital dermatitis, an infectious hoof disease caused by bacteria, which often becomes chronic and is difficult to treat) costs time, money, and puts the animals under stress.
Diarrhea in calves is still 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 the feed, mycotoxins (= mold toxins), aggressive bulls with open sores, skin diseases during the transition. All this costs nerves, time, and money.
Zeolite helps with all this — from the inside and from the outside.
What zeolite does in the cow's 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 — with state-of-the-art methods: Metabolomics (= the analysis of all metabolites in the blood) and Proteomics (= the analysis of all proteins in the blood). During this, 64 differently expressed proteins and 21 different metabolites were identified.
The result: Clinoptilolite zeolite restores the energy balance (= the balance 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 she takes in) and thus simultaneously lowers the risk of ketosis, mastitis, and fatty liver.
“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 Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research paper from 2023 examined Holstein cows that received zeolite in the pre-partum period. The result: improved reproductive parameters after calving, better colostrum quality (= first milk after birth, crucial for the immunity of the calves), 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 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. The liver values remained normal in all animals — zeolite had no negative effects whatsoever.
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 — only 3 in the zeolite groups. The body weight was significantly higher at the end of the experiment (day 60) in the zeolite groups. And the rumen wall of the control animals showed chronic inflammations 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, have no diarrhea, and are simply fitter. They have been very robust since then."
“When transitioning the young bulls, we always had the problem that they got skin diseases. Ringworm or fungal diseases with bald skin patches. And since I now regularly use STALLKRAFT bedding, that is gone. When the barn is re-bedded, the barn is practically cleaned and sanitized. The diseases are gone. No more bald patches. And the smell in the barn is a lot better. And I am completely convinced."
And then, almost casually: “And I mix zeolite with organic apple cider vinegar into a paste and put it on the udder. It really works great for mastitis."
“We are a dairy farm. Therefore, udder health is very important to me. Thanks to the bedding, the lying boxes are dry and the zeolite is anti-inflammatory and reduces germs. The purer and more hygienic, 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 do not have to select animals, the milking work is also much faster.”
“Since we use STALLKRAFT bedding, the cell count in the cows has gone down to 70,000. That is very, very low. We used to always be at 150–200,000.”
And at the same time:
“The danger of mastitis has decreased extremely. We had not had a single case of mastitis in our barn anymore. We used to always have Mortellaro hoof disease in the barn. After we let the cows walk through a lime bath after milking, it has decreased significantly.”
“By adding lime, I save myself straw in the lying boxes. The liquid is absorbed, so I have to put in less straw. It is more hygienic and it smells better. And Mortellaro is no longer there, because we also lime in the barn.”
“Whoever saves on quality, will pay dearly! Because we have been regularly liming with finely powdered manure lime for years, we now only need 300–400 kg per hectare. If you stop liming once, it gets expensive, because you have to start from scratch again. It is important to do it continuously.”
“We mix TIERKRAFT zeolite with organic apple cider vinegar into a paste. It goes on the udder. Works great! Mastitis belongs to the past.”
“By regularly sprinkling a shovel of lime over the floor, not only is the ammonia content in the manure bound, but also the smell development is significantly reduced. The result is a noticeably cleaner and fresher environment.”
And then comes something surprising:
“Interestingly, the pigs seem to appreciate this addition — they like to pick up the lime from the floor.”
This applies to cattle just as well. Animals know what is good for them.
F., Schönau — From the barn to the manure and onto the field
“We use STALLKRAFT as a manure additive directly in the manure pit. Manure is much more homogeneous and easier to apply. The stench is less. Everything flows easier and that also means a work relief. We are now also starting to use it as bedding. Basically one step further ahead in the cycle. Because the decomposition then already begins in the barn, NH3 is already bound there and mites and mold fungi no longer have a chance.”
“I have now only used STALLKRAFT in the barn for a few days, and it is really incredible how quickly the unpleasant smell is almost eliminated with it. I can only recommend it to every animal owner. Not only for the neighbors, but also for ourselves, it is more pleasant.”
The mastitis paste — a special tip that many already know
A zeolite-apple cider vinegar paste externally on the udder — that is a tip that has been passed around among experienced farmers for a long time. 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 by itself, it takes these harmful substances with it. New germs from the barn environment cannot penetrate into the inflamed tissue during this time.
Organic apple cider vinegar lowers the pH value (= acidity) of the paste to a slightly acidic environment — in which pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus and coliform germs can hardly multiply.
Clinoptilolite additionally works antibacterially — this is proven in laboratory studies (Haydel et al. 2008: Clay minerals inhibit a wide spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacteria).
This is how the paste is applied: Mix STALLKRAFT with organic apple cider vinegar into a creamy paste. Apply to the affected teats and udder — create intensive contact by rubbing. Let it work for a few hours until the paste dries out and falls off by itself. Repeat several times a day until the healing is complete.
And another tip from experienced farmers: Also after calving, when the udders are large and heavy, massage it in preventively. That is no effort. That is care.
AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms — the third power in the cattle barn
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 does in the cattle barn:
It starts the healthy fermentation process (= natural conversion of organic substances by microorganisms) already in the barn. This means less rot, less smell, a better barn climate — and manure that is pre-activated when it comes to the field. The manure becomes more homogeneous, can be stirred up more easily and flows more evenly out of the pit.
Bernhard Keplinger, an organic farmer from Bad Leonfelden, reports: “The climate in the barn has improved dramatically since then. The smell of the manure is better, it’s much easier to turn out, and we no longer have flies in the barn. This year we had almost tropical conditions, and the neighboring farms couldn’t keep the flies at bay. We had almost none. Even the vet asked us what we were doing in the barn.”
AM+PLUS in the cattle barn — how to use it:
As an airborne mist: Mix 0.2 liters of AM+PLUS with 10 liters of water and spray it into the barn air and onto the bedding surfaces at least three times a week. This simultaneously reduces odors, germs, and flies.
In the manure: Add 0.1 liters of AM+PLUS per cubic meter of manure — mix thoroughly and let it ferment for 10 days before spreading. The result: higher-quality, more nutrient-rich manure.
GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX — Retain nitrogen in the manure
Every kilogram of nitrogen that escapes into the air as ammonia (NH₃) is a lost kilogram 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 manure before it escapes. The nitrogen remains bound in the liquid and is fully available to the plants when applied.
And here is something important to know: GÜLLEKRAFT does NOT settle out of the manure. This is one of the most common objections we hear — and it is incorrect. Thanks to our tribomechanical milling process, the particles are so fine that they remain suspended in the manure. 20 kg of STALLKRAFT or GÜLLEKRAFT per m³ of manure is enough to achieve homogeneous (= evenly mixed) manure 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 the field
❓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 the bedding, she has a good reason to do so.
❓How much bedding do I need?
The resting area must always be dry. 200–300 g per m² daily — adjust accordingly for cubicle and deep-bedding areas. Many farms use a feed mixer: 700 kg of straw, 1,000 kg of STALLKRAFT, 600 liters of water — and the perfect mixture is ready.
❓Does the bedding have a disinfecting effect?
Not in the chemical sense. Conventional disinfectants have a pH above 10 and are corrosive. STALLKRAFT has a pH of 7–9 and dries naturally. At a pH of 8 or higher, NH₃ escapes — with STALLKRAFT, this pH level is maintained and ammonia is bound instead of released. That is the crucial difference.
❓What to do for Mortellaro?
From within: TIERKRAFT Zeolite as a feed additive. From the outside: create a lime bath and let the cows walk through STALLKRAFT bedding after milking. The hooves dry, germs are bound, and healing begins.
❓Does GÜLLEKRAFT settle out of the manure?
No. This is one of the most important features of our product. Thanks to the tribomechanical milling process, the particles are so fine that they remain suspended and distribute evenly in the manure.
Application & dosage — as simple as possible
STALLKRAFT bedding: 200–300 g/m² daily. Keep the resting area dry at all times. For Mortellaro: create a lime bath and let the cows walk through it after milking.
Mix TIERKRAFT Zeolite as a feed additive: 0.5% (this is our recommendation because the powder is so effective) but max. 1% (as stated by the feed authority) of the daily total ration, mixing it under the wet feed. Particularly 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 into a creamy paste, apply to affected udder areas, and repeat several times a day.
AM+PLUS barn air: 0.2 L per 10 L of water, spray at least three times a week.
AM+PLUS manure: 0.1 L per m³ of manure, mix thoroughly, and let ferment for 10 days.
GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX: 20 kg per m³ of manure for homogeneous, nitrogen-rich manure.
Our STEINKRAFT products for cattle farming
👉 STALLKRAFT bedding — zeolite, lime, and organic herbs (Ca approx. 20.5%, Mg 11.1%, Si 3.3%, pH 7–9) for dry, hygienic cubicles
👉 TIERKRAFT Zeolite — 100% clinoptilolite feed additive for cattle, calves, and dairy cows
👉 AM+PLUS active microorganisms — for barn air, manure, and udder health
👉 GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX — NH₃ binder for valuable, homogeneous manure
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 manure: Concrete recommendations
Source note
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), pp. 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, pp. 234–239 · Fratric N. et al. (2005): Effect of a clinoptilolite based mineral adsorber on IgG in newborn calves. Acta Veterinaria (Beograd) 55, pp. 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, pp. 353–361
Still have questions? 🌿
In our FAQ you will find all the answers about zeolite — from quality and dosage to application. For people, animals, and gardens.
👉 All questions & answers →About the author
Michaela Schirmbrand-Pfeiffer
Co-Founder STEINKRAFT · Psychologist & Organizational Consultant
I grew up on a farm — and that has shaped me. My father spent decades observing and testing zeolite on farms. Today, STEINKRAFT exists — with the goal of bringing this extraordinary volcanic mineral into practice.
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