🐖 Zeolite in Pig Farming – What Really Happens When You Try It

A pig's body has to work brutally hard to reach 100 kg as quickly as possible. That's according to Helmut Schirmbrand – our father, founder of KALKMEISTER and one of Austria's most experienced zeolite practitioners. He knows: pigs get nutrient-rich feed every day. And that's why their urine – and slurry – is very special. What really benefits pigs is evident in the barn, in the feed, and in the slurry. And sometimes in the fact that neighbors can hang out their laundry again.

I remember conversations with my father about pigs. Everything happens quickly with pigs. Growth is rapid, metabolism is at high performance – and that's precisely why diarrhea in piglets is so dangerous. If they don't grow, the economic damage also grows. Zeolite can help on several levels simultaneously here.

Zeolite in Pigs

What Papa Helmut Schirmbrand Knows from Practice

My father is not a theoretician. He has spent decades observing lime and zeolite on farms, talking to farmers, and trying out these valuable minerals.

"A pig's body has to work brutally hard to reach 100 kg as quickly as possible. That's why they get nutrient-rich feed every day, and that's why their urine – and slurry – is very special. It's really bad if pigs have diarrhea – then they don't grow as fast."

This is the core. Growth is everything in pig farming. And anything that slows down growth – diarrhea, ammonia in the barn, a weak immune system – costs money. Lime and zeolite – the clay minerals – intervene precisely there.

A farmer told us that he doesn't want to have to shower every time he comes out of the pigsty. So he adds bedding and zeolite. It seems to work. That's practical experience.

The Smell is the First Thing You Notice

Anyone who uses STALLKRAFT bedding in a pigsty for the first time experiences a quick, noticeable change: the ammonia smell decreases. This is no coincidence and no magic – it's physics. Clinoptilolite zeolite binds ammonia (NH₃) in its unique pore structure. Directly at the source, before it escapes into the air. Scientifically proven and practically tested.

Martin K. puts it succinctly:

"The smell in the barn is less – and the neighbors can hang out their laundry again."

This is existential for many pig farms in or on the outskirts of villages today. Ammonia and odor are not only a burden on the environment – they are now often a tangible legal dispute. STALLKRAFT bedding helps, without chemical additives, simply through the natural structure of the zeolite.

Annette K. confirms:

"The bedding ensures a dry and clean barn climate, which has significantly improved the health and well-being of our pigs. The smell is much less – STALLKRAFT is an indispensable part of our barn care."

And Reinhard P.:

"By regularly spreading a shovel of lime over the floor, not only is the ammonia content in the manure bound, but odor development is also significantly reduced. Interestingly, the pigs seem to appreciate this addition – they readily pick up the lime from the floor."

This is not a curiosity. This is zoopharmacognosy (= the natural self-medication of animals, who instinctively recognize what is good for them).

Straw Floor or Slatted Floor – STALLKRAFT Works on Both

One of the most common questions we get: Can I also use STALLKRAFT bedding on slatted floors?
Yes. Helmut Schirmbrand has observed it on both systems and confirms: STALLKRAFT works very well on both straw floors and slatted floors.
On straw floors, STALLKRAFT is mixed under the straw or sprinkled on top. Or both. Some farmers swear by both top and bottom. The combination binds moisture, reduces ammonia, and inhibits germs.

On slatted floors, STALLKRAFT is sprinkled directly onto the floor. The zeolite falls through the slats with the manure – and continues its work in the slurry. Ammonia is bound in the barn before it reaches the slurry pit.

Customers recognize the quality immediately. Anyone who picks up STALLKRAFT feels the fine granulation and the extraordinary absorbency. Many report: They need less than with other products – and have to re-bed less often. Sustainability.

Tobias L., direct marketer:

"As a farmer, my goal is not only to farm productively but also sustainably. With STALLKRAFT, I can achieve both. Our customers, who regularly buy products directly from the farm, appreciate the visible commitment to animal welfare and the reduced odor nuisance."

What is Particularly Important in the Pigsty – Dryness

As soon as it gets damp in the pigsty, the problem begins. Ammonia rises, germs multiply, animals become more susceptible to respiratory problems and skin diseases. And the smell is there.

The most important property of STALLKRAFT in the pigsty is therefore its absorbency. Zeolite and lime together keep the floor dry – dry means: less odor, fewer germs, healthier animals.

Petra describes the handling:

"We are particularly impressed by the ecological compatibility and the easy application. The powder mixes very well with the straw bedding."

Zeolite in Piglets – From the First Minute

Here is one of the most practical and surprising applications from Dad's wealth of experience: when the umbilical cord is cut, newborn piglets are rubbed directly with zeolite. Sometimes even with zeolite-lime bedding. This dries them quickly and kills germs before they can penetrate – precisely at the moment when the newborn animal is most vulnerable. Just as seeds are treated (potatoes germinate better when coated in lime, zeolite, and microorganism breading – naturally), this jump start is also given to the small animals.

And when testicles are removed (= castration of male piglets), zeolite is used as an anti-inflammatory – directly on the wound. The same properties that zeolite shows in the udder, on the skin, and in the claw are also shown here: this great powder absorbs wound secretions, inhibits germs, and supports wound healing. Of course, there are other products for this. Here we are in the middle of nature and in the world of home remedies. Without chemistry. And lime and zeolite don't hurt as much when they get on the wound as other things. It doesn't burn. That's important for small creatures from whom we want them to feel as good as possible and to have as few stress hormones in their bodies as possible, which they then only partially break down and these breakdown products are only partially well excreted. Incidentally, zeolite demonstrably does this again. Zeolite helps the liver to excrete these stress hormones well. Allegedly you can taste them in the meat. I heard that...

What science says about "treating": Haydel et al. (2008) showed in laboratory studies that clay minerals can inhibit a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. What experienced pig farmers have been practicing for a long time is scientifically sound.

Less Tail Biting – an Underestimated Problem

Tail biting (= a behavioral disorder in pigs kept in barns that leads to serious injuries and high veterinary costs) is one of the most persistent problems in pig farming. It often arises from stress, boredom, overcrowding, or mineral deficiencies.
We observe it again and again: when zeolite is in the feed, pigs bite the tails of their conspecifics less.

The possible connection: Zeolite as an ion exchanger (= releases beneficial minerals and absorbs harmful ones) can compensate for mineral deficiencies. At the same time, it improves the barn climate – less ammonia means less stress for the animals. And less stress means less aggression.
This is no miracle. This is cause and effect.

Pig Slurry – Why It Is Special

Pig slurry is fundamentally different from cattle slurry. Cattle slurry contains a lot of straw – which makes it firmer, thicker, more structured. Pig slurry contains no straw. It is thin, richer in nitrogen, and has a significantly higher ammonia content (60–70% of the nitrogen is present as ammonia, compared to 50–60% in cattle slurry).
This means: pig slurry loses proportionally more nitrogen through ammonia emissions – this is lost fertilizer and at the same time a burden on the air and the neighborhood.

Zeolite intervenes precisely here. It binds ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺) in the slurry before it escapes as ammonia (NH₃). The nitrogen remains in the liquid and is fully available to plants when applied.

Martin K. observed something else important: Pig slurry with STALLKRAFT bedding has no floating crust. This is a real problem for many farms – the floating crust (= a solid layer that forms on top of the slurry) makes stirring more difficult and application uneven. With zeolite, the slurry remains more homogeneous (= evenly mixed) and is easier to process. Although this is even more important for cattle slurry. For pig slurry, the floating crust is rather not a problem.

And GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX – our special NH₃ binder – does NOT settle in the slurry. This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is clear: through the tribo-mechanical grinding process (= gentle comminution, where the particles reduce each other) the particles are so fine that they remain suspended and are evenly distributed.

What Zeolite Does in the Pig's Body – What Science Says

Breeding Sows:

Kyriakis et al. (2002) studied 240 breeding sows over 180 days under real operating conditions. The feed was heavily contaminated with zearalenone (= a mycotoxin that significantly impairs pig fertility). The result: sows with clinoptilolite showed improved reproductive performance, lower piglet mortality, and better bone structures despite mycotoxin contamination.

Papaioannou et al. (2002) showed: In breeding sows, across 450 animals, there was a higher farrowing rate, more sows returned to estrus on time, less mastitis and fever.
Estrus (= heat) is the point in the female cycle when the sow is receptive to conception – thus, the optimal moment for fertilization. 🐖
In pigs, this window is very short – only 8 to 36 hours. If a sow does not return to estrus on time after weaning, the farm loses valuable time – and money. Every lost cycle means fewer litters per year, fewer piglets, less yield.
The fact that more sows with zeolite returned to estrus on time is therefore economically very relevant – it means shorter farrowing intervals and more productive days per sow per year.

Piglets:

Valpotić et al. (2016) studied 40 weaned piglets over 35 days with only 0.5% zeolite in the feed. The result: significantly higher body weight, lower diarrhea severity – and ten times fewer harmful germs in the intestine: 19×10⁷ vs. 19×10⁸ CFU/ml (= bacterial count per milliliter of intestinal content). At the same time, more immune cells in the intestinal mucosa.

"The CPL fed pigs had significantly higher body weight, the sum of diarrhea severity score in CPL-treated pigs was lower as well as a total bacterial load in jejunum." — Valpotić et al. (2016), Veterinary Medicine 61

Fattening Pigs:

Several studies – Coffey et al. (1989), Shurson et al. (1989) – consistently show: fattening pigs with zeolite in their feed grew faster, had higher quality meat protein, and were significantly calmer. Less biting, less stress. Here again, we have confirmation: less aggression and cortisol.

The Underestimated Risk: Mycotoxins in Pig Feed

Mycotoxins in feed are a real problem – even if the feed appears unremarkable on the outside. Aflatoxins occur in cereals, corn, and straw. In pigs, they lead to a weakened immune system, liver damage, and in breeding sows, to fertility disorders.
Zeolite binds these toxins in the digestive tract and safely excretes them – proven in numerous studies for all age groups.

And an observation from practice: When zeolite was first delivered directly to pigsties due to odor complaints, the pigs immediately rushed to it and ate it eagerly. Their instinct knew what their bodies needed. Afterwards, the herd's health rapidly improved, and piglet mortality decreased.

AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms – the Third Force in the Pigsty

Zeolite and lime are strong. They become even stronger in combination with AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms – produced at Loidholdhof in Upper Austria from Austrian organic herbs, photosynthetic and lactic acid bacteria, and natural yeasts.

What AM+PLUS does in the pigsty: It starts the healthy fermentation process (= natural conversion of organic matter by microorganisms) already in the barn. This means less putrefaction, less odor, a better barn climate – and a slurry that arrives on the field already pre-activated. More homogeneous, easier to stir, more nutrient-rich.

Bernhard Keplinger, an organic farmer from Bad Leonfelden, reports:

"Initially, we started with other microorganisms. When we nebulized these in the barn, we always got a cough reflex. We worked with these previous microorganisms for 3 years, and the slurry didn't really change. Then we found AM+PLUS from STEINKRAFT — 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."

And then comes the sentence that says it all:

"This year we had almost tropical weather, and neighboring farms couldn't fend off the flies. We had almost none. Even the vet asked us what we were doing in the barn — he was so amazed."

AM+PLUS in the pigsty — how to use it:

As a barn air nebulizer: 0.2 liters of AM+PLUS per 10 liters of water, spray into the barn air and onto the manure channel 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, allow to ferment for 10 days before application.

Frequent Questions from Practice

Does STALLKRAFT work on slatted floors?

Yes. Zeolite falls through the slats with the manure and continues its work in the slurry. Ammonia is bound in the barn — before it reaches the pit and the air.

Does GÜLLEKRAFT settle in the slurry?

No. Due to the tribo-mechanical grinding process, the particles are so fine that they remain suspended. No floating layer - which is not an issue with pig slurry anyway - more homogeneous slurry, easier application.

Can STALLKRAFT also be eaten by pigs?

Yes — and it often happens on its own. STALLKRAFT is high-quality feed lime. If pigs ingest bedding, they do so for good reason. Reinhard P. observes this regularly: "Pigs like to pick up the lime from the floor."

How much do I need to spread?

100–200 g/m² of floor area, refresh as needed. The powder mixes excellently with straw bedding and works very well on rubber mats. Customers report: they need less than with other products because the absorbency is so much higher.

Application & Dosage — as simple as possible

STALLKRAFT bedding for breeding sows, piglets, and fattening pigs: 100–200 g/m² of floor area, refresh as needed. Works on straw and slatted floors.

TIERKRAFT Zeolite as a feed additive: max. 1% of the total daily ration, mix under moist feed.

TIERKRAFT Zeolite for piglets immediately after birth: apply directly to the wound when cutting the umbilical cord and during castration — dries, disinfects, inhibits germs. 

AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms for barn air nebulization: 0.2 L per 10 L of water, spray at least 3 times a week.

AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms in slurry: 0.1 L per m³ of slurry, stir well, allow to ferment for 10 days.

GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX: directly into the slurry — binds ammonia, more homogeneous slurry.

Our products for pig farming

👉 STALLKRAFT Bedding — zeolite, lime, and organic herbs for dry, hygienic stables 👉 TIERKRAFT Zeolite — feed additive for piglets, breeding sows, and fattening pigs 
👉 AM+PLUS Active Microorganisms — for barn air, slurry, and a healthy barn climate
👉 GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX — NH₃ binder for valuable, homogeneous pig slurry

Read more

What Animals Really Need – Prof. Hecht on Zoopharmacognosy and Zeolite
Zeolite in Livestock Farming: What Studies Really Show
NH₃ Binding in Slurry: Concrete Recommendations for Action
From Practice for Practice – Bernhard Keplinger on AM+PLUS in the Barn

Source references

Kyriakis S.C. et al. (2002): Experimental studies on safety and efficacy of the dietary use of a clinoptilolite-rich tuff in sows. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 51, pp. 65–74  Papaioannou D.S. et al. (2002): A field study on the effect of clinoptilolite on health status and performance of sows/gilts and their litters. Research in Veterinary Science 72(1), pp. 51–59 
Valpotić H. et al. (2016): In-feed supplementation of a clinoptilolite favorably modulates intestinal and systemic immunity in weaned pigs. Veterinary Medicine 61, pp. 317–327  Papaioannou D.S. et al. (2004): A field study on the effect of clinoptilolite on health status and performance of weaned, growing and finishing pigs. Research in Veterinary Science 76, pp. 19–29 
Coffey M.T. et al. (1989); Shurson G.C. et al. (1989), Journal of Animal Science ·
Haydel S.E. et al. (2008): Broad-spectrum antibacterial activities of clay minerals. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 61, pp. 353–361