🐄🐖🐑 Zeolite in Livestock Farming: What Studies Really Show

Zeolite for Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, and Goats

Well-founded knowledge for farmers — simply explained

You’ve heard of zeolite. From your neighbor, from the vet, perhaps from us. But what does science actually say? We have compiled the most important studies for you — with real numbers, real animals, real farms. Because we believe: If you understand why something works, you will also trust it.

What is Clinoptilolite Zeolite — and why is it so special?

Zeolite is not a product from a laboratory. It is a volcanic mineral of sedimentary origin that has been in the earth for millions of years. Its structure is microporous (= full of tiny cavities and passages — like a huge labyrinth in a single grain of sand). 1 gram of STEINKRAFT zeolite has an active internal surface area of over 600 m².

This structure makes it an exceptional ion exchanger (= it exchanges harmful substances for useful minerals). As Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Karl Hecht — one of the most renowned zeolite researchers in the German-speaking world — summarizes:

"The crystal lattice passes through the digestive tract relatively unchanged, absorbing pollutants from the body and releasing minerals into it." — Prof. Dr. Karl Hecht, Zeolite Pioneer

Clinoptilolite zeolite is approved as a feed additive throughout the EU — under the identification number E568, confirmed by expert opinions from EFSA (= European Food Safety Authority) from 2012 and 2013. Non-toxic (= not poisonous). No side effects. Environmentally friendly.

The review paper by Valpotić et al. (2017), published in the renowned journal Periodicum Biologorum of the University of Zagreb, summarizes the state of research:

„CPL has been successfully used in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine as the agent which is capable to ameliorate mycotoxicosis, maintain gut health, reduce, prevent and treat diarrheal disease in farm animals, decrease the level of toxic heavy metals and ammonia, improve immunity, general health and growth performance." — Valpotić et al., Periodicum Biologorum, Vol. 119, No. 3, 2017

🐄 Cattle & Dairy Cows — what studies really show

Study 1: 765 kg more milk per cow — University of Thessaloniki, Greece

This is one of the most cited studies on the effect of zeolite in dairy cows. Katsoulos and his team at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki divided 52 healthy Holstein cows into three groups: one group received 1.25% clinoptilolite in their feed, a second group 2.5%, and the third group received no zeolite — it served as a control group (= comparison group). The study began four weeks before calving and ran until the next dry period. Blood samples were taken monthly, and milk yield was measured.

The result was clear: the group with 2.5% zeolite produced 9,273 kg of milk over 305 days (= a full lactation period) — that's 765 kg more than the control group with 8,508 kg. At the same time, this group had only 1 case of ketosis (= a dangerous metabolic disease after calving, where the cow has too little energy and breaks down its own fat reserves) instead of 7 cases of ketosis in the control group. Liver values remained within the normal range for all animals — zeolite had no negative effects on the liver.

„The cows in group B had significantly fewer cases of clinical ketosis during the first month after calving and a higher total milk yield." — Katsoulos et al., Veterinary Record, 2006

Source: Katsoulos et al. (2006), Veterinary Record 159(13), pp. 415–418

Study 2: Zeolite protects cows from parturient paresis

Parturient paresis (= milk fever, a life-threatening calcium deficiency disease shortly after calving, where the cow can no longer stand up) is an expensive problem for many farms. The same research group showed in another study of 52 Holstein cows: animals that received clinoptilolite in their feed over a long period had significantly (= demonstrably, not coincidentally) more stable calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels in their blood — precisely during the most critical phase around calving. The incidence of parturient paresis significantly decreased.

Source: Katsoulos et al. (2005), American Journal of Veterinary Research 66(12), pp. 2081–2085

Study 3: 380 days, from pregnancy to lactation — the most comprehensive study

Karatzia et al. (2013) accompanied 80 pregnant Holstein cows from day 210 of pregnancy until the end of the first lactation (= milk production period) — this is a 380-day observation period. Cows with CPL in their feed had:

• Better energy status (measurable by blood sugar and ketone levels)
• Less negative energy balance (= the cow breaks down less body substance)
• Improved fertility
• Higher milk production in the first lactation

Source: Karatzia et al. (2013), Animal Production Science 53, pp. 234–239

Study 4: 21 times fewer udder infections

A study by Đuričić et al. examined lactating dairy cows (= cows in the active milk production phase) that received CPL over several months. The result is dramatic: Control cows had a 21-fold higher risk of udder infections (= mastitis, inflammation of the udder) than the CPL-fed cows. Milk composition remained stable, cell counts (= a measure of udder health; the lower, the better) did not differ significantly — but the infection rate was dramatically lower.

„The control cows had a 21-fold higher odd of intramammary infections than the CPL-fed cows." — Đuričić et al., cited in Valpotić et al. (2017)

Study 5: Calves with zeolite — stronger immune system from birth

The conference "Prophylaxis of Herd Diseases" in Leipzig (2011) presented three experiments by the Veterinary Medical University of Thessaloniki. In the second experiment, 84 newborn calves were divided into three groups. Calves in the zeolite groups received 1–2g clinoptilolite per kg body weight daily.

The result: In the first 6 days, 7 control calves had E. coli diarrhea — in the zeolite groups, only 3 calves. Antibody concentrations (= immune system defense substances) after 12, 24, and 48 hours were significantly higher in the zeolite groups. Body weight at the end of the experiment (day 60) was significantly higher in the zeolite groups than in the control group.

Fratric et al. (2005) confirmed: Calves that received colostrum (= first milk after birth, rich in antibodies) with 5 g/L CPL had significantly higher IgG levels (= immunoglobulin G, the most important antibody in the blood) after 6, 24, and 48 hours than calves without zeolite.

„Clinoptilolite has a beneficial effect on the prophylaxis of diarrhea in suckling calves." — Karatzia et al., Conference Leipzig, 2011

And in the third experiment, conducted on 10 rumen-fistulated cows (= cows with a surgically created access to the rumen for research purposes): Zeolite prevented the development of latent ruminal acidosis (= creeping acidification of the rumen — one of the most common and underestimated problems in dairy farming). The ruminal pH value remained within the normal range in the experimental animals. After slaughter, the rumen wall of the control animals showed chronic inflammation — in the zeolite animals: no changes.

Source: Karatzia et al., International Conference Leipzig, 2011; Fratric et al. (2005), Acta Veterinaria (Beograd) 55, pp. 11–21

🐖 Pigs — what studies really show

Study 1: 240 breeding sows, Greece — the large field study

Papaioannou, Kyriakis, and their team from the University of Thessaloniki conducted one of the most impressive practical studies on the effect of zeolite in pigs. 240 breeding sows and their litters were observed over a long period under real operating conditions — divided into groups with clinoptilolite in their feed, with antibiotics, with both, and with neither.

During the study, it turned out that the feed was heavily contaminated with zearalenone (= a mycotoxin that significantly impairs fertility in pigs and can cause miscarriages) — a real problem that occurs on many farms without being noticed.

The result: Sows with clinoptilolite had improved reproductive performance despite the mycotoxin contamination. The daily weight gain of the piglets measurably improved, and feed conversion (= how much feed the animal needs to gain 1 kg) improved in several growth phases.

„No adverse effects of the CPL use were observed during critical periods of pregnancy and lactation in sows, whereas their reproductive parameters were improved and the impact of zearalenone-contaminated diets on reproduction efficiency was ameliorated." — Kyriakis et al. (2002), Microporous and Mesoporous Materials

Source: Papaioannou et al. (2002), Research in Veterinary Science 72(1), pp. 51–59; Kyriakis et al. (2002), Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 51, pp. 65–74

Study 2: 450 sows — less mastitis, more fertility

In another field study with 450 breeding sows, it was shown that CPL-fed sows had a higher farrowing rate (= more sows successfully gave birth to piglets), more sows returned to estrus (= heat cycle) in time, and the incidence of mastitis (= inflammation of the udder), fever, and loss of appetite was significantly lower.

Source: Papaioannou et al. (2002), Research in Veterinary Science 72, pp. 51–59

Study 3: Ten times fewer germs in the gut — stronger immune system in piglets

Valpotić et al. (2016) examined 40 weaned piglets (= piglets recently separated from their mother) over 35 days. The group with 0.5% CPL in their feed showed, compared to the control group:

• Significantly higher body weight at the end of the experiment
• Lower diarrhea severity (= the animals were less often sick and recovered faster)
• Lower bacterial load in the small intestine: 19 × 10⁷ CFU/ml vs. 19 × 10⁸ CFU/ml — this means ten times fewer harmful germs in the gut of the zeolite-fed piglets
• More immune cells in the intestinal mucosa — the immune system (= body's defense system) was measurably stronger

„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 (19 × 10⁷ vs. 19 × 10⁸ CFU/mL)." — Valpotić et al. (2016), Veterinary Medicine 61, pp. 317–327

Source: Valpotić et al. (2016), DOI: 10.17221/175/2015-VETMED

Study 4: 720 piglets over 136 days — growth and health

In a large-scale field study with 720 weaned piglets over 136 days, the CPL-fed piglets showed improved weight gain and feed conversion from day 25 to day 70. The mortality rate was significantly lower in the zeolite group.

Source: Papaioannou et al. (2004), Research in Veterinary Science 76, pp. 19–29

Study 5: Yorkshire pigs over 79 days — 25% more weight gain

A classic study by Mumpton (1985) showed in Yorkshire pigs over a period of 79 days: The weight gain in young and mature animals was 25% higher than in control animals. Feed efficiency (= how well feed is converted into body mass) was 35% better in young pigs, and still 6% better in older animals.

„Feed supplemented with zeolites gave rise to feed efficiencies about 35% greater than those of normal rations when fed to young pigs." — Mumpton (1985)

Study 6: Diarrhea stopped — piglets recover within days

Mumpton (1985) also reported: Piglets suffering from diarrhea showed a reversal of symptoms within a few days after zeolite was added to their feed. After 7 days, the faeces were firm and normal again. All piglets regained their healthy appetite — without negative effects from the zeolite.

A study by the Ichikawa Livestock Experiment Station showed: If pregnant sows received 400 g of clinoptilolite daily (from conception until the end of a 35-day weaning period), there was almost no diarrhea in the piglets — while other, simultaneously born piglets were severely affected. The piglets in the zeolite group weighed 65–85% more at the end of the weaning period than the control piglets.

„The vitalizing effect of zeolite is transferred from mother to offspring and increased the growth rate and weight gain of piglets through the weaning period." — Mumpton (1985)

Why pig slurry particularly benefits

Pig slurry contains a significantly higher ammonia content (60–70%) than cattle slurry (50–60%). This means: more odor, more NH₃ off-gassing (= ammonia escaping into the air instead of remaining in the soil), more pressure from neighbors and authorities — and at the same time: more lost nitrogen fertilizer.

Zeolite binds this ammonia nitrogen in the slurry before it escapes. The result: a slurry with up to 80% nitrogen utilization in the field — significantly more than without treatment. What is good for the soil is also good for the neighborhood.

🐑 Sheep & Lambs — what studies really show

Study 1: Lambs with zeolite — less diarrhea, better growth

Norouzian et al. (2010) examined 30 newborn Balouchi lambs over 42 days. The lambs received 1.5% or 3% CPL in their feed. The result was clear: The diarrhea severity was lower, faecal consistency (= nature of the faeces) was better, and daily weight gain was higher — particularly evident in the 3% group.

Source: Norouzian et al. (2010), Biological Trace Element Research 137, pp. 168–176

Study 2: Merino lambs over 60 days — Ankara University, Turkey

Toprak et al. (2016), published in the South African Journal of Animal Science, examined 25 Merino × Ile de France lambs (4 months old) over 60 days with micronized zeolite (= ground into very small particles) in their concentrate feed. The dosages were 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%.

The clear result: Up to 2% zeolite had no negative effect on growth, slaughter weight, and carcass weight. At 3%, these values decreased — so the safe and effective dosage is 1–2%. The total protein content in serum (= blood fluid) increased with zeolite — an indication of improved protein metabolism and thus better meat quality.

„The addition of MZ up to 2% of the grower feed for weaned lambs did not create negative effects on the animals' performance and carcass ratio." — Toprak et al. (2016), South African Journal of Animal Science 46(3)

Source: Toprak et al. (2016), South African Journal of Animal Science, DOI: 10.4314/sajas.v46i3.11

Study 3: Australian studies — more wool, better growth

Several Australian studies — Pond et al. (1984, 1989), Fenn & Leng (1989), Murray et al. (1990) — prove: Sheep that received zeolite or bentonite (= related clay mineral) showed measurably better weight gain and higher wool production. The mineral status (= supply of the body with important minerals) significantly improved in all studies.

🐐 Goats — what studies show

Long-term study over 420 days

Katsoulos et al. (2009) accompanied 72 dairy goats (Saanen crossbreed) over 420 days with 2.5% CPL in their feed. The result: Higher milk fat content, lower somatic cell counts (= SCC — the lower, the healthier the udder and the better the milk quality) — and this without any negative effects on vitamins (A, E), trace elements, or liver values.

„The CPL fed dairy goats had increased percentage of milk fat and reduced somatic cell counts without any adverse effects." — Katsoulos et al. (2009), American Journal of Veterinary Research

Source: Katsoulos et al. (2009), American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(3), pp. 346–352

What all studies have in common

This is not laboratory research under artificial conditions. These are long-term studies — over weeks and months, with real animals on real farms, always with control groups, always with hard data: blood analyses, tissue examinations, weight controls, behavioral observations, bacteriological analyses.

Dosages range between 0.5% and 2.5% of the total feed quantity — this is comparatively little effort for the effect that is achieved.

The review from the University of Zagreb summarizes it:

„Natural and modified zeolites, in particular CPL should be considered as nanoporous materials possessing tremendous potential for applications in veterinary medicine, especially in livestock production." — Valpotić et al. (2017), Periodicum Biologorum

And the best part: Zeolite works in a cycle. What is spread or fed in the barn today enhances the slurry tomorrow — and returns nutrients to the soil that stay there instead of escaping into the air. From the barn to the field. Just as nature intended.

„Who else but nature do we want to ask to know how life works?" — Helmut Schirmbrand, founder of Kalkmeister & STEINKRAFT

STEINKRAFT Quality — why the grinding process is crucial

Not all zeolites are created equal. The fineness of the grinding and the purity of the raw material are decisive. As the STEINKRAFT document "Zeolite for Animals" states:

"The finer the zeolite crystal structures are crushed and ground, the larger their active surface area, especially their active internal surface."

STEINKRAFT uses the Air2Air Activation Technology — a tribomechanical (friction-based, without metal abrasion) grinding process in which the zeolite particles collide at high speed and grind themselves. The crystal lattices (= internal structure of the mineral) remain intact and unleash their full effect.

1 gram of STEINKRAFT zeolite corresponds to over 600 m² of active surface area — that's what makes the difference.

Our products for livestock farming

👉 STALLKRAFT Bedding — zeolite, lime and organic herbs for cattle, pigs and sheep

👉 TIERKRAFT Zeolite — feed additive for all farm animals (max. 1% of the daily total ration)

👉 GÜLLEKRAFT N-FIX — NH₃ binder for manure, more valuable fertilizer

👉 Overview of all livestock farming products

Read more

• What animals really need – Prof. Hecht on zoopharmacognosy and zeolite
• Zeolite – the all-rounder in cattle farming
• Zeolite in pig farming – what really happens
• NH₃ binding in manure: Concrete recommendations for action
• STEINKRAFT Success Story: Zeolite Animal Hygiene in Practice

Sources

• Valpotić H. et al. (2017): Zeolite clinoptilolite nanoporous feed additive for animals of veterinary importance. Periodicum Biologorum Vol. 119, No. 3, S. 159–172. DOI: 10.18054/pb.v119i3.5434
• Katsoulos P.D. et al. (2006): Effects of long-term feeding of a diet supplemented with clinoptilolite to dairy cows on the incidence of ketosis, milk yield and liver function. Veterinary Record 159(13), S. 415–418
• Katsoulos P.D. et al. (2005): Effects of long-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on incidence of parturient paresis. American Journal of Veterinary Research 66(12), S. 2081–2085
• Karatzia M.A. et al. (2013): Diet supplementation with clinoptilolite improves energy status, reproductive efficiency and increases milk yield in dairy heifers. Animal Production Science 53, S. 234–239
• Katsoulos P.D. et al. (2009): Effect of long-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on performance in dairy goats. American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(3), S. 346–352
• 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), S. 51–59
• 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, S. 65–74
• Valpotić H. et al. (2016): In-feed supplementation of a clinoptilolite favorably modulates intestinal and systemic immunity in weaned pigs. Veterinary Medicine 61, S. 317–327. DOI: 10.17221/175/2015-VETMED
• Papaioannou D.S. et al. (2004): A field study on the effect of clinoptilolite, alone or in combination with antimicrobials, on the health status and performance of weaned, growing and finishing pigs. Research in Veterinary Science 76, S. 19–29
• Mumpton F.A. (1985): Using zeolites in agriculture. Princeton University Press
• Toprak N.N. et al. (2016): Effect of micronized zeolite addition to lamb concentrate feeds on growth performance. South African Journal of Animal Science 46(3). DOI: 10.4314/sajas.v46i3.11
• Norouzian M.A. et al. (2010): The effects of feeding clinoptilolite on hematology, performance, and health of newborn lambs. Biological Trace Element Research 137, S. 168–176
• Fratric N. et al. (2005): The effect of a clinoptilolite based mineral adsorber on IgG in newborn calves. Acta Veterinaria (Beograd) 55, S. 11–21
• Karatzia M.A. et al. (2011): Internationale Konferenz „Prophylaxe von Herden- und Produktionskrankheiten", Leipzig, Oktober 2011
• EFSA (2013): Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin for all animal species. EFSA Journal 11, S. 3039–3052
• Hecht K. (2015): Zeolith. Lebenskraft durch das Urgestein. Spurbuchverlag, Baunach