Zeolite in cattle farming
Cattle farming is a demanding task that involves countless decisions every day. The type of housing and feed, as well as the cattle's health and diet, have a significant impact on the quality of their meat and milk, and thus on the livelihoods of local farmers. A volcanic mineral, zeolite, has become a rising star in local agriculture due to its positive and diverse effects. We've taken a closer look at the origin, effects, and applications of this volcanic mineral…
Zeolite as a bedding base in cubicles… fewer abscesses and digital dermatitis
Originally discovered by the Romans, the naturally occurring volcanic rock zeolite and its positive effects on humans, animals, and soil have long been known. However, only in recent years have studies demonstrated the true extent of its positive effects, for example, on livestock farming.
Today, zeolite is used in agricultural practice in two ways: As a ground powder, it is spread in the cubicles of cows and calves , ensuring a dry and slip-resistant floor environment that has a positive effect on abscesses and digital dermatitis (Mortellaro's disease). Furthermore, the mineral's porous surface binds large quantities of ammonia , thus having a beneficial effect on odor development in the barn.
Zeolite as a feed additive to promote digestion - improves milk production
When volcanic rock – with its particularly high silicon content – is sprinkled over feed, it exhibits completely different effects, as a 2011 study on dairy cows and calves from the University of Leipzig* shows: Zeolite acts like a "molecular sieve" in the digestive tract, binding free radicals and ammonia, improving milk production in cows , and having a positive effect on feed conversion and the general condition of cattle.*
In the gastrointestinal tract, excess acids, toxins, and pathogens are absorbed by the powdered zeolite and ultimately excreted. Additionally, important ions such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium are released into the animal's body.
But that's not all: "When applied externally as a wound powder or cream, zeolite can also be used to treat cuts, fistulas, eczema, or ulcers. Thanks to its hydrophilic properties, zeolite has a decongestant, analgesic, and antibacterial effect," says Michaela Schirmbrand-Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Steinkraft, a company that has been producing natural products based on zeolite rock for agriculture for years.
Zeolite as a manure enhancer - good for the soil, good for the natural cycle
Because clinoptilolite zeolite, in particular, is of exceptionally high quality, 100% naturally derived, and supplied by reputable vendors without any additives, this mineral volcanic rock supports not only animals but the entire natural cycle: Using zeolite-rich cow manure enhances the slurry, resulting in more fertile soil and stronger root development in the fields. The ammonia in the cow manure is bound by the zeolite in the soil and does not evaporate, thus remaining fully available to plants as a nutrient. Due to its wide range of benefits, this volcanic rock is also successfully used in pig and poultry farming.
Article published in the magazine Fleisch & Co, issue 2/2020
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