Z-Olite: Swine Feed

™

address: 148 N 100 E
Smithfield UT 84335
phone: 435.563.8118
web: www.z-oliteinc.com

Z-Olite: For Swine

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Mineral:Consists of a volcanic mineral called "clinoptilolite" (see spec sheet)

Size:14 x 40, 40 x 100,-100, -40 mesh

GRAS:Classified as "GRAS" (generally regarded as safe) under 21 CFR Part 182.2729, 40 CFR Part 180.1001

CEC:Cation exchange capacity (CEC) 150 to 180 meq/100 grams (as ammonia, N)

Color:Pale green when dry, dark green when wet

Moisture:Holds up to 55% of its weight in water

Surface Area:High surface area 24.9 square meters/gram

Weight:55 pounds per cubic foot

Potassium:Contains 3.47%

Calcium:Contains 1.6%

Sodium:Contains <0.5% (none water soluble)

STATISTICS

According to Lobo (1999, Feed Management, V.50, No.8, p.16-17) in 1998 hogs consumed 136 million tons of feed. Swine accounted for 26 percent of the total feed consumed for animal and poultry.

APPLICATIONS

FEED: This is the most effective point of addition. Many farms have eliminated most of their odor and realized greater animal health, welfare, and production by feeding between ˝ to 2% Z-Olite of the total ration on a weight basis. A 14 x 40 or -40 mesh product should be fed in mash or a -100 mesh should be used to pelletize supplements.

BEDDING AREA: A thin layer should be applied to the bedding area or to the area that receives the manure each time it is cleaned out.

COMPOST OR DRY STACKED MANURE: The compost or dry stacked manure should be "top dressed" with a thin layer of Z-Olite after it is turned or after the addition of a new layer of manure is added. Alternatively, a layer of Z-Olite should be placed in the area of the barn receiving the fresh manure. Composting is an important process that:

converts organically bound nitrogen that is not plant accessible to ammonium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate, and ammonia that are plant accessible,
kills the pathogens,
reduces or eliminates the odor,
dries the manure,
reduces the flies, and
kills weed seeds.

Composting should be conducted "in vessel" to prevent groundwater and air pollution. Wash down operations are no longer environmentally acceptable due to groundwater pollution of nitrates, nitrites, and hydrogen sulfide.

BENEFITS

REDUCES SCOURS:

Zeolites have been widely used for the control of scours. The belief is that the zeolites absorb excess moisture in the digestive tract. However, there is current thinking that an additional mechanism that trace transition metals in the zeolite may act as effective biocides that kill the bacteria causing the scours.

MYCO-TOXIN BINDER:

The effectiveness of zeolites as myco-toxin binders is widely recognized throughout the world, but its use in the United States is not accepted by the USDA.

IMPROVED FEED CONVERSION:

FLOW AGENT/ANTI CAKING AGENT:

Z-Olite is a flow agent and an anti caking agent in feed components.

INCREASED PELLET DURABILITY:

Z-Olite allows higher temperatures in pellet mills that increase production and gelatinization that make more durable pellets.

REDUCED NECESSITY FOR ANTIBIOTICS:

Z-Olite enhances growth without the need for antibiotics.

REDUCES PHOSPHATE POLLUTION AND INCREASES BONE GROWTH:

Two factors reduce phosphate pollution. First, increased solubility of phosphates in the hog allows the reduction of phosphate in the feed rations. This reduces the phosphate in the manure and the soil that it is applied to. Second, by using Z-Olite in the feed ration and in the composting operation, the nitrogen is increased in the compost. An increase in the nitrogen in the "nitrogen to phosphate" ratio results in the increased plant uptake of phosphate and a reduction of the phosphate pollution. Z-Olite helps solubilize phosphate from dicalcium phosphate and other calcium phosphate sources that enhance bone growth.

INCREASED PRODUCTION:

Using Z-Olite causes less ammonia gas to buildup in the barn, which decreases respiratory problems, diarrhea, mortality rate, and greater food intake result in healthier hogs that gain faster.

INCREASED NITROGEN CONTENT OF MANURE AND COMPOST:

Z-Olite increases and fixes the nitrogen in the manure and compost so that it is plant accessible but not water-soluble. It stops the gassing of the nitrogen as ammonia.

Z-Olite ADDS VALUE TO MANURE AND COMPOST:

The introduction of Z-Olite with the manure or compost to the soil has the benefit of increasing water retention, holding the nitrogen and other nutrients in the growth zone, provides a medium for the future capture of nitrogen, increases the ion exchange capacity of the soil, provides potassium and calcium, and enhances infiltration and aeration of the soil. Z-Olite is a value added soil amendment that should be advertised.

ODOR CONTROL:

Z-Olite reduces the ammonia gas in the barn and compost areas, thus reducing odor.

FLY CONTROL:

Z-Olite reduces ammonia gas and increases moisture absorption, which helps to control flies.

INCREASED ANIMAL WELFARE:

Greater animal health creates better animal welfare, better meat, greater production, and lesser usage of antibiotics and medicines that may have lasting adverse effects to the human population.

GROUNDWATER POLLUTION CONTROL:

Z-Olite fixes the nitrogen and various heavy metals, thus reducing the pollution of the groundwater with nitrates and nitrites.

USE OF ZEOLITES IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN XLOVAKIA: A REVIEW
P. BARTKO, H. SEIDEL, and G. KOVAČ
University of Veterinary Medicine, Košice 04181, Slovakia

Experimental: Swine.

On two farms, the effect of 5% supplementation (85 and 105 days, respectively) of the Slovakian zeolite (CEC = 0.80-0.85 meq/g, particle size = <0.315 mm) in rations of fattening swine (supplemented groups = 383 and 494 animals, control groups = 379 and 490 animals, respectively) was evaluated in relation to weight gain and feed consumption.

Results: Swine.

The supplementation of zeolite resulted in a reduction in the amount of feed consumed per kilogram of weight gain (Table 1). On the first farm, a reduction of about 10% was recorded.

Table 1. Weight gain and feed consumption of swine after zeolite supplementation.

Supplemented group Control Group

Weight gain
(kg/day) Feed cons.
(kg/kg) Weight gain
(kg/day) Feed cons.
(kg/kg)

Farm 1 0.639 3.51 0.655 3.93

Farm 2
0.589 3.83 0.562 4.16

CSAE
Zeolite as Mineral Feed Supplement
To Reduce Odours And Improve Swine Performance
By
Denis Choinière and Suzelle Barrington
July 5 - 9, 1998 at Vancouver, BC

Grower hogs were fed a ration supplement with zeolite and the growth performance was compared to that of another group of grower hogs, of identical initial weight, sex and breed, but fed fine sand. The two groups of hogs were housed in identical rooms, where the room temperature was maintained at the same level.

The experiment demonstrated that zeolite should be supplemented at a rate increasing from 2% for hogs weighing 20 kg to 5% for hogs weighing over 50 kg. Such levels of supplemental zeolite improved the feed conversion ratio by 0.33 kg of feed by kg of body weight gain for hogs grown from 20 to 100 kg. This represents a net profit gain of 4.50$ CDN/hog grown, if the feed and the zeolite cost 250$/ton and 350$/ton, respectively.

TESTING : Chapter VIII; Using Zeolites in Agriculture
Frederick A. Mumpton,
Department of the Earth Sciences,
State University College,
Brockport, NY 14420

Kondo and Wagai (39) evaluated the use of zeolites in the diets of young and mature Yorkshire pigs in 60- and 79-day experiments, respectively, and found that the weight gain of animals of both ages receiving diets containing 5 percent clinoptilolite was from 25 to 29 percent greater than that of animals receiving normal diets (table 2). Feed supplemented with zeolites gave rise to feed efficiencies about 35 percent greater than those of normal rations when fed to young pigs, but only about 6 percent greater when given to older animals. In addition, the particle size of the feces of the control group was noticeably coarser than that of the experiment group, suggesting that the digestive process was more thorough when zeolites were added to the diet.

The feces of animals in the control group were also richer in all forms of nitrogen than zeolite-fed animals, indicating that the zeolites contributed toward a more efficient conversion of feedstuff nitrogen to animal protein.

The digestibility of crude protein and nitrogen-free extracts tended to be improved as zeolite was substituted for wheat bran in swine diets at levels from 1 to 6 percent over a 12-week period (24,26). Anai, et al. (5), reported similar results using 5 percent zeolite for 8 pigs over a 12-week period and realized a 4-percent decrease in the cost of producing body weight. They also noted a decrease in malodor and moisture content of the excrement. Toxic, or other adverse effects, were not noted for any of the test animals described. On the contrary, the presence of zeolites in swine rations appears to contribute measurably to the well-being of the animals.

Tests carried out on 4,000 head of swine in Japan showed that the death rate and incidence of disease among animals fed a diet containing 6 percent clinoptilolite was markedly lower than for control animals over a 12-month period (83). As shown in table 3, the decrease in the number of cases of gastric ulcers, pneumonia, heart dilation, and in the overall mortality is remarkable, The savings in medicine alone amounted to about 75 cents per animal, to say nothing of the increased value of a larger number of healthy pigs. In one test, the addition of zeolite to the diet of piglets severely afflicted with scours markedly reversed the progress of this disease within a few days (53).

Four underdeveloped Laundry pigs were fed a diet containing 30 percent zeolite for the first 15 days and 10 percent zeolite for the remaining part of a month-long experiment. The severity of the disease decreased almost at once, and feces of all pigs were hard and normal after only 7 days. Although the pigs consumed an average of 1.75 kg of zeolite per head per day, no ill effects were noted, and once they had recovered from diarrheic ailments, the pigs regained healthy appetites and became viable.

A recent Japanese patent disclosure claimed a method of preventing and treating gastric ulcer in swine by the addition of zeolite to their diets (49); supportive data, however, was not reported.

Apparently the vitalizing effect of a zeolite diet can be transferred from mother to offspring. Experiments at the Ichikawa Livestock Experiment Station, where 400 g of clinoptilolite was fed each day to pregnant sows and continued through the 35-day weaning period of their offspring, showed substantial increase in the growth rate of the young pigs. As shown in table 4, test animals weighed from 65 to 85 percent more than control-group animals at the end of the weaning period (9). Young pigs whose dams received the zeolite diet also suffered almost no attacks of diarrhea, while those in control groups were severely afflicted with scours, greatly inhibiting their normal growth.

The addition of 5 percent zeolite to the rations of pregnant sows 20 to 90 days after mating gave rise to improved FEVs and increased litter weight at parturition (46). The earlier the zeolite was added, the greater was the apparent effect. Similar studies were conducted at Oregon State University with young swine using rations containing 5 percent clinoptilolite (16). Although lesser increases in growth rates were found than in the Japanese studies, the incidence of scours was significantly reduced for animals receiving the zeolite diet.

Currently, heavy doses of prophylactic antibiotics are used to control such intestinal diseases, which, left unchecked, result in high mortality among young swine after they are weaned. Federal regulations are becoming increasingly stringent in this area, and if antibiotics are prohibited, other means must be found to control such diseases.

Natural zeolites may be the answer.

In a preliminary study involving 16 early weaned pigs over a 19-day period, animals on an antibiotic-free diet containing 10 percent clinoptilolite gained about 5 percent more weight per pound of feed than those on a control diet without antibiotics and about 4 percent more than those on an antibiotic-enriched diet (table 5) (70) . The small number of pigs used, however, limits the significance of these findings.

In another study, a 30 percent improvement in FEVs occurred for 35 young pigs on a molasses-based diet when 7.5 percent clinoptilolite was substituted in the diet during the 35 to 65 kg growth period (table 6) (10). Feces of the zeolite-fed animals were also less liquid than those on a control diet. The addition of zeolites had little effect on the FEVs in the 65 to 100 kg growth range.

Heeney (28) supplemented normal corn-soy rations of 36 pigs with 2.5 and 5 percent clinoptilolite in a 120-day experiment (table 7). He found little overall difference in the FEVs; however, for the first 30 days after weaning, FEVs of 0.455 and 0.424 were obtained for 2.5 and 5.0 percent zeolite, respectively, compared with a value of 0.382 for the control animals, an increase of about 15 percent due to the presence of zeolites in the diet. Little improvement was noted between 30 and 120 days of the treatment.

Table 2. -Caloric Efficiency of Zeolite Supplements in Swine Feeding (a)

Age of pigs
Start Finish
(days) Average Weight
Start Finish
(kg) Average wt. Gain (kg) Average feed intake (kg) (b) Average FEV (c) Zeolite improvement

Experimental (d) 60 120 15.43 44.43 29.00 85.0 0.341

Control (d)
60 120 14.85 35.78 22.93 90.6 0.253 35 percent

Experimental (e)
99 178 30.73 85.30 54.57 167.6 0.326

Control (e)
99 178 31.20 73.50 42.30 136.2 0.308 6 percent

(a) Kondo and Wagai (1968) Tests carried out using 5 percent clinoptilolite in rations of experimental groups
(b) Excluded zeolite
(c) Feed efficiency value - weight gain/feed intake
(d) Eight Yorkshire pigs
(e) Twenty Yorkshire Pigs

Table 3. -Effect of Zeolite Diets on Health of Swine (a)

Period
Zeolite Content of Rations Sickness Causes
Gastric Ulcer Pneumonia Heart Dilatation Rate Mortality (percent) Medicine Cost/Head

2/72 to 1/73
0 77 128 6 4.0 $2.50

2/73 to 1/74
6 percent clinoptilolite 22 51 4 2.6 $1.75

(a) Test carried out on 4,000 swine at Keai Farm, Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan (Torii, 1974)

Table 4. -Effect of Prenatal Zeolite Diet on Newborn Pigs (a)

Species
No. of pigs Group Average weight (kg)
Weight gain improvement

Newborn 21-days 35-days

Yorkshire
6
Experimental
1.25 4.3 7.83

Yorkshire
10
Control
1.10 4.2 4.81 63 percent

Laundry
6
Experimental
1.20 4.7 8.68

Launndry
10
Control
1.10 4.0 4.67 96 percent

(a) Test carried out at lchikawa Livestock Experiment station, Japan 400 grams of clinoptilolite given to sows n experimental group per day and continued to end of weaning period (Buto and Takenashi, 1967)

Table 5. -Effect of Zeolite Supplement in the Diets of Early Weaned Pigs (a)

Basal diet Zeolite diet Antibiotic diet

Number of Pigs
4 4 4

Average daily weight gain (g)
245 245 304

Feed efficiency value (FEV)e (weight gain/feed intake)
0.432 0.455 0.437

(a) Pond and Mumpton (1978)
(b) Basal diet: 62% ground yellow corn 10% cerelose, 23% soybean meal, 0.5% salt, 0.5% Hopro R vitamin supplement, 1.5% ground limestone, 2.5% dicalcium phosphate
(c) Zeolite diet: Basal diet less 10% cerelose plus 10°/0 clinoptilolite, -200 mesh, Castle Creek, Idaho
(d) Antibiotic diet: Basal diet plus 0.3% Aurofac 10 antibiotic
(e) Excluding zeolite.

Table 6. -Effect of Zeolite Supplement in Molasses-Based Diets of Young Pigs (a)

Zeolite level (%)

0 2.5 5 7.5 10

35-65 kg growth stage

Daily Gain (g)
621 694 700 704 659

Daily Intake (g) (b)
2900 3110 3090 2970 3040

Daily Feed Intake (g) (c)
2900 3030 2940 2750 2740

Feed Efficiency Value (FEB) (weight gain/feed intake) (d)
0.214 0.229 0.238 0.256 0.241

65-100 kg growth stages

Daily Gain (g)
541 582 526 562 535

Daily Intake (g) (b)
3550 3900 4260 4430 4140

Daily Feed Intake (g) (c)
3550 3800 4050 4100 3730

Feed Efficiency Value (FEV) (weight gain/feed intake) (d)
0.152 0.153 0.130 0.137 0.143

(a) Castro and Elias (1978)
(b) lncluding zeolite
(c) Intake less zeolite
(d) Excluding zeolite.

Table 7. -Effect of Clinoptilolite Supplemental in the Diet of Swine (a)

Control 2.5 %
Clinoptilolite 5.0 %
Clinoptilolite

Average initial weight (lb)
31.6 31.7 31.7

30-days:
Average weight (lb)
Average daily weight gain
Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b)
Feed Efficiency Value (c)

61.0

62.2

62.5

1.09

1.12

1.17

2.62

2.20

2.36

0.382

0.455

0.424

60-days:
Average weight (lb)
Average daily weight gain
Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b)
Feed Efficiency Value (c)
105.7 107.3 106.2

1.59 1.61 1.52

2.80 3.05 3.09

0.357 0.328 0.324

90-days:
Average weight (lb)
Average daily weight gain
Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b)
Feed Efficiency Value (c)

153.7

149.6

150.0

1.72

1.51

1.57

3.33

3.43

3.67

0.300

0.292

0.272

120-days:
Average weight (lb)
Average daily weight gain
Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b)
Feed Efficiency Value (c)
188.2 177.8 176.4

1.56 1.28 1.27

3.94 5.63 4.30

0.254 0.178 0.233

Overall:
Average daily weight gain
Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b)
Feed Efficiency Value (c)

1.49

1.40

1.37

3.42

3.45

3.34

0.292

0.290

0.299

(a) From Heeney (1977), 6 pigs in each treatment. Control diet - 76.9% ground corn, 20% soybean 011 meal, 1.5% dicalcium phosphate, 0.5% CaCo₃, 0.5% salt, 0.1% trace mineral 0.25% vitamin premix, 025°/0 ASP250 antibiotic Zeolite diets contained 25 and 5°A replacement of corn.
(b) Excluding zeolite
(c) Weight gain/feed Intake, excluding zeolite

References

5
Anai, Shozo, Baba, Isayo, Kawabe, Mitsurni, Akaboshi, Tatsumasa, and Tacloru, I,
"Feeding Experiments With Zeoliteon Swine~"
Kumamot o-ken Chikusan Chosa Sei-sekisho 1975,
101-107, 1976. 9.
Buto, Kenji, anci Takahashi, Sada,
"Experimental Use of Zeolite in Pregnant Sows,"
Internal Rept., Ichikawa Livestock Exp. Sta., 1967.

10.
Castro, Mvand Elias, Aw
Effect of the Inclusion of Zeolite in Final Molasses-Based Dietson the Performance of Grcwing-Fattening Pigs,"
Cuban~. Agric. Sci. 12, 69-75, 1978. 16.
England, D.C. "Effect of Zeolite on Incidence and Severity of Scouring and Level of Performance of Pigs During Suckling and Early Post-weaning,"
Rept. 17th Swine Day Spec. Rept. 447, Agricul. Exp, Sta,, Oregon State University, 30-33, 1975.

24.
Han, In K,, Ha, Jong K,, and Kim, Chun S.,
"Studies on the Nutritive Value of Zeolites. 1. Substitution Levels of Zeolite for Wheat Bran in the Rations of Growing-Fishing Swine,"
Korean J. Anim. Sci. 17, 595-599, 1975. 26,
Hayashizaki, T., and Tsuneji, N., "Acaricidal Composition Containing Lime-Nitrogen,"
Japan, Kokai 73,031,888, October 1973.
Fish Culture Systems, " Ph.D. dissertation, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

28.
Heeney, M. W., "ClinoptiIolite in Swine Rations,"
Research Dept,, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO (unpublished), 1977.
39.
Kondo, N., and Wagai, B., "Experimental Use of Clinoptilolite-Tuff as Dietary Supplement for Pigs,"
Yotonkai, May 1968, 1-4, 1968,

46
Ma, Chueng-Shyang, Tzeng, Chii-Ming, Lai, Ming-Kwei, and Tsai, A-Hai,
"Effect of Zeolite Feeding of Pregnant Pigs on the Litter Size at Birth," K'o Hsueh Nung Yeh (Taipei) 27, 189-192, 1979. 49.
Makita, Katsuo,
"The Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Ulcer for Swine,"
Japan, Kokai 78, 020,437, Feb. 24, 1978.

53
Morita, Isamu, "Efficiency of Zeolites in Underdeveloped Pigs Affected With Diarrhea,"
Internal Dept., Gifu-city Animal Husbandry Center,
Gifu, Japan, 1967. 70.
Pond, W. G., and Mumpton, F. A., "Effect of Zeolite Supplementation of Early Weaned Pig Diets on Growth, Feed Utilization, and Diarrhea,"
Anim. Sci. Swine Memo 78-2, Cornell University, 1978.

83.
Torii, Kazuo, "Utilization of Natural Zeolites in Japan."
In: Natural Zeolites: Occurrence, Properties, Use,
L. B. Sand and F. A. Mumpton (eds.) (Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press, 1978).

CONSIDERATIONS IN FEEDING, MANURE TREATMENT, ODOR REDUCTION, AND USE OF SWINE MANURE FOR PLANT NUTRIENT VALUE

INTRODUCTION
Swine production, like many other Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the U.S. has been the focus of regulations by states more than most other CAFOs. It seems that noxious odors are a primary factor, but potential phosphate pollution of soil and water are concerns of the environmental community.

Suggestions presented here include some aspects of feeding and manure handling and treatment that may improve conditions of swine productivity and profitability and may reduce offensive odor generation at producer sites. References documenting benefits of zeolite (clinoptilolite) additive to swine feed for improved health and reduced odor from manure are listed in the "Selected References".

The introduction of phytase in feed additive for swine (and poultry) has improved metabolic assimilation of phosphate and thereby reduced the amounts of phosphorous in swine (and poultry) manure. The use of chemisorbents (natural clinoptilolite) in feed has virtually eliminated mycotoxin (e.g. aflatoxins)-caused mortality, and improved swine health and thus improved profits. The clinoptiloite added to feed also reduces the potential for fungal growth on the feed in humid areas by absorbing water.

Most large swine producers use washdown, or water dilution of the manure. Thus most swine manure storage facilities involve liquid plus solid manure storage in lagoons, or ponds. These are typically 5-25 feet deep. Anaerobic digesters offer the most effective elimination of manure-generated odors, and also reduce energy costs. However this method of conversion requires a significant capital cost.

Odor Generation, Causes, and Methods of Reduction of Offensive Odors:

Odors are generated chiefly by exposure of manure to air and the associated generation of ammonia (NH₃) gas from ammonium (NH₄⁺). However, many other gases are generated during oxidation of manure. Many approaches to the reduction of offensive odors from production sites have been used.

Odor control for hog production may include closed systems, ventilation, feed, handling in the production unit, and storage, handling, and spreading of wastes. Odor emissions from the manure storage lagoons or ponds are significantly reduced by having a floating permeable blanket. Anaerobic digesters use an inflatable airtight plastic cover to capture biogas for methane recovery; the methane is either flared (burned) or used to power internal combustion engines which generate heat and electricity. This system eliminates odors because all of the gases are isolated. Another method of handling the solids is "in vessel composting" where the wet solids are placed in a large heated rotating drum; solids go in one end and out the other in 3 days. The largest unit is about 96 yd³. These are manufactured by B W Organics, Inc. of Sulphur Springs, TX.

Several studies have shown that 40% or more of the Nitrogen (N) excreted from hog production is lost to the air from the barn, during storage, and following field application.

Ammonia may have a short residence time in the air. It may be converted to ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) or ammonium sulfate (NH₄SO₄) as particulates in the size range of a few micrometers (e.g. 2.5 microns) that are carried as aerosols. These particulates may attach to, or be precipitated on airborne dust. Inhalation of these aerosols has been shown to have adverse respiratory health affects on humans (and animals/poultry). These particles bypass the normal defenses of the respiratory system. It has been documented that some farm workers have developed respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, occupational asthma, or farmer’s lung disease.

It must be acknowledged that at present, there is no single or multiple control technology method(s) to economically eliminate the offensive odors generated by swine producer feeding and associated manure disposal operations. At best, however, it is thought that there can be a reduction in the odors that are more than just unpleasant, and also reduce those associated atmospheric reactions of ammonia with nitrates and sulfates that may induce human respiratory health problems.

Clinoptiloite (zeolite) feed additive for swine has been shown to reduce ammonium concentration in manure, and also to reduce the amount of protein required in the feed. In addition, clinoptilolite would aid in reducing ammonia generation if it was added to the fresh manure in the rearing/finishing area.

METHODS, LOGIC, AND CHEMISTRY OF CONTROLLING ODORS AND NITROGEN LOSSES FROM SWINE MANURE

I. Treatment Before Excretion:

Numerous studies of the beneficial effects of using clinoptilolite (zeolite) feed additive for improved health and reduction of odor production have been done. These include Pond (1995), Poulson and Oksbjerg, (1995), Uygongco and others (1999), Veldman and Vander Aar, (1997), and Yannakopoulos and others (2000), and reports in languages other than English.

A significant effect of zeolite in the alimentary tract includes the reaction that involves the ion exchange of ammonium into the zeolite, where the ammonium displaces cations such as Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), and Sodium (Na) due to the higher affinity of zeolite for the ammonium in cation sites. Ammonium in the cation sites is not water soluble, and it is protected from bacterial degradation. This practice reduces nitrogen losses before excretion.

II. Treatment of Fresh Manure and Related Wastewater:

Addition of zeolite to fresh manure provides a means of capturing ammonium by ion exchange, although ammonium N is only about one-half of the total N in fresh manure. The remainder of the N in manure is chiefly organically bound N—some of which will be naturally converted to ammonium N. In the absence of zeolite, as natural degradation of manure takes place, during the first 3-4 days most of the N is lost as ammonia gas, and some is lost as nitrate or nitrite during natural oxidation of the organically-bound N. Lefcourt and Meisinger (2001) recently found that by adding 6.25% zeolite to dairy slurry reduced ammonium volatilization by 55%.

Harris and others (undated) report that the average annual ammonia emissions from fattening (finishing) barns in North Carolina were 3.69 kg/hog/yr, but during the summer emission rates were 4.81 kg/hog/yr. Other studies in the U.S. and Europe report annual rates ranging from about 2-5 kg/hog/yr. Taking a mid-range of 3.5 kg/hog/yr amounts to an ammonia gas N loss of 6.36 lb/hog/yr, or 0.0174 lb/hog/day. For a 1,000 head hog barn this amounts to an ammonia N loss of 17.4 lbs/day, or 6,351 lbs/yr. If half of this could be retained as fertilizer N, it amounts to about $950 of N value per 1,000 head hog barn, while significantly reducing odor problems.

For swine lagoons the report of Ham (1999) indicates the average concentration of ammonium N in several swine lagoons in Kansas was about 670 mg/L (ppm). Reports as high as about 1,200 mg/L of ammonium N have been reported for some swine lagoons. Small amounts of zeolite added directly to the lagoons would reduce ammonia emissions by ammonium capture. If aeration of the normally reducing environment in the lower part of the lagoon is done, H₂S is oxidized to produce sulfate ions. Calcium ions displaced from the zeolite by ammonium will combine with the sulfate to form gypsum (CaSO₄), which is beneficial to soil properties in terms of plant nutrition. In addition, Ca ions displaced from zeolite may combine with manure derived orthophosphate to form a non-crystalline Ca-phosphate that is not highly soluble in near-neutral pH soils, but provides plant-available phosphate.

III. Composting Solids:

Unenclosed or outdoor composting of swine manure solids is not reasonable because of high nitrogen losses from N in organically bound N, large ammonium emissions generating noxious odors, occupies too much real estate, is labor intensive due to turning, and losses of N, Phosphorous (P), and K due to precipitation. In addition, during winter months of cold climates, proper composting temperatures cannot be maintained.

Either enclosed vessel composting (barns), or mechanical in vessel composting rotating drums such as the design of B W Organics, Inc. could be used for swine manure separated solids. However, in order to obtain the correct Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of 15-30, material such as chopped wheat or barley straw would have to be added. The zeolite that was added either to the feed or to the fresh manure, or both, should report to the solid fraction of the solid/liquid separation process, adding the N value to the composted product. For the rotating drum composter, with a 96 cu yd capacity, 33 cu yd of manure solids plus chopped straw with 50 % moisture is added each day and the composted product is finished in 3 days. This eliminates outdoor storage and significantly reduces airborne noxious odors. The composted product qualifies for use on "Organic" grown labels on produce, grain, etc. Pelletizing the composted product would enhance the value (due to higher NPK) and increase the potential shipping distance, as well as reduce the volume to be stored or handled.

Selecting a clinoptilolite (zeolite) for use in Manure Waste to be used as Crop Fertilizer

For the purpose of ammonium capture, the zeolite with the highest cation exchange capacity for NH₄⁺ ammonium should be used.

Because of the plant toxicity of sodium, a zeolite with a very low concentration of exchangeable Na is required (e.g. less than 0.7 wt. % Na₂O).

A zeolite with high K (plus Ca) is preferred because K exchanged out when ammonium replaces K is plant available and water-soluble.

A zeolite with some exchangeable Ca is desirable so that Ca exchanged out due to ammonium replacement is available to form Ca-phosphate and precipitate gypsum (hydrated CaSO₄) when organic-bound sulfur is generated under oxidizing conditions.

A zeolite with high cation-exchange capacity is desirable because it enhances soil quality.

A zeolite with a large amount of pore space (internal surface area) is desirable because this accelerates the ion-exchange reactions.

A zeolite with no "clay" minerals is desirable because clays tend to reduce both aeration and water permeability of soil.

Zeolites from different natural deposits have variable proportions of the mineral clinoptilolite. Thus a rock containing a high concentration of clinoptilolite will have more ion-exchange capacity than one with lower concentrations of the mineral.

Zeolites with moderate physical strength will be better than those that tend to be soft. Soft clinoptilolites will tend to disaggregate and make dust during handling and transport. In addition the soft zeolites that contain minor amounts of "clay" minerals tend to "fall apart" when saturated due to expansion of the "clays" (e.g. montmorillonite).

The zeolite should contain no associated carbonate minerals such as calcite (CaCO₃) because this mineral will tend to raise the pH of the manure and associated water, which will promote conversion of ammonium to ammonia gas.

Z-Olite meets all of these requirements. See the SPEC sheet for details.

SELECTED REFERENCES

Bailey L., and Buckley, K., 2001, Land application of hog manure: Agronomic and Environmental Considerations, The Canadian perspective: p. 1-17, Proceedings for the Joint CPC/AAFC workshop on Hogs and the Environment.
http://res2.agr.ca/initiatives/manurenet/en/hems/bailey.html

Bernal, M.P., Lopez-Real, J.M., and Scott, K.M., 1993, Application of natural zeolites for the reduction of ammonia emissions during the composting of organic wastes in a laboratory composting simulator: Bioresource Technology, v. 43, p. 35-39.

Canadian Agri-Food Research Council, 1998, Research strategy for hog manure management in Canada:
Research Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, p. 1-30.
http://res2.agr.ca/initiatives/manurenet/en/strat_man.html

Cerjan-Stefanovia, S., and Curkovic, L., 1997, Selectivity of natural zeolites for toxic ions, in Kirov, G., Filizova, L., and Petrov, O., eds., Natural Zeolites-—‘95: Proceedings of the Sofia Zeolite meeting ’95: Sofia, Bulgaria, Pensoft Publishers, p. 121-126.

Cintoli, R., DiSabatino, B., Galeotti, L., and Bruno, G., 1995, Ammonium uptake by zeolite and treatment in UASB reactor of piggery wastewater: Water Science and Technology, v. 32, no. 12, (Waste Management Problems in Agro-Industries 1995), p. 73-81.

Davis, J.G., Andrews, J.E., and Al-Kaisi, M.M., 1997, Liquid manure management: Fact sheet 1.221, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, p. 1-4.

Desborough, G.A., and Crock, J.G., 1996, Nitrogen-loading capacities of some clinoptilolite-rich rocks: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 96-661, p. 1-17.

Drummond, J.G., Curtis, S.E., Simon, J., and Norton, H.W., 1980, Effects of aerial ammonia on growth and health of young pigs: Journal of Animal Science, v. 50, p. 1085-1091.

Evans, S.D., Goodrich, P.R., Munter, R..C. and Smith, R.E., 1977, Effects of solid and liquid beef manure on soil characteristics and on growth, yield, and composition of corn: Journal of Environmental Quality, v. 6, p. 361-368.

Fulhage, C., and Pfost, D., 2001, Swine manure management systems in Missouri: Univ. of Missouri Agricultural publication EQ350, p. 1-11.
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/envqual/eq0350.htm

Ham, J.M., 1999, Seepage loss from animal waste lagoons: Potential Impacts on Groundwater Quality: Research Update, Kansas State University,
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/lagoon/new_page_1.htm

Harris, D.B., Shores, R.C., and Jones, L.G., undated, Ammonia emission factors from swine finishing operations: EPA, Office of Research and Development National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC. (From Harris, D.B., and Thompson, E.L., 1998, Evaluation of Ammonia Emissions from swine operations in North Carolina: Proceedings of Emission Inventory—Living in a Global Environment, VI-88, and p. 420-429. Air and Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA.)

Jorgensen, S.E., Libor, O., Lea grabber, K., and Barkacs, K., 1976, Ammonia removal by use of clinoptilolite: Water Resources, v. 10, p. 213-224.

Kroger, R., and Pfeiffer, A., 1995, Examination of feed- and slurry-additives for decrease of ammonia emissions from pig houses: DTW, Deutsche Tieraerztliche Wochenschrift, v. 102, no. 8, p. 316-320.

Lefcourt, A.M., and Meisinger, J.J., 2001, Effect of adding alum and zeolite to dairy slurry on ammonium volatilization and chemical composition: Journal of Dairy Science, v. 84,p. 1814-1821.

Milan, Z., Sanchez, E., Weiland, P., DeLas Pozas, C., Borja, R., Mayari, R., and Rovirosa, N., 1997, Ammonia removal from anerobically treated piggery manure by ion exchange in columns packed with homoionic zeolite: Chemical engineering Journal (Lausanne) v. 66, no. 1, p. 65-71.

Nguyen, M.L., and Tanner, C.C., 1998, Ammonium removal from wastewaters using natural zeolites:

New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, v. 41. p. 427-446.

Pond, W.G., 1995 Zeolites in animal nutrition and health: A review, in Ming, D.W., and Mumpton, F.A., eds. Natural Zeolites ’93: Occurrence, Properties, Use, June 20-28, 1993: Boise, Idaho, International Committee on Natural Zeolites, Brockport, New York, p. 449-457.

Poulson, H.D., and Oksbjerg, N., 1995, Effect of dietary inclusion of a zeolite (clinoptilolite) on performance and protein metabolism of young growing pigs: Animal Feed Science and Technology, v. 53, no. 3, 4, p. 297-303.

Ramos, A.J., and Hernandez, E., 1997, Prevention of aflatoxicosis in farm animals by means of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate addition to feed stuffs: A review: Animal Feed Science and Technology,
v. 65, p. 197-206.

Silva, S., Baffi, C., and Piva, A., 1993, Removal of ammonia nitrogen from pig wastes using natural zeolites: Annali della Facolta di Agaria (University Cattalica del Sacro Cuore), v. 33, no. 1, p. 59-78.

Sutton, A.L., Nelson, D.W., Mayrose, V.B., Nye, J.C., and Kelly, D.T., 1984, Effects of varying salt levels in liquid swine manure on soil composition and corn yield: Journal of Environmental Quality, v. 13, p. 49-59.

Tomasevia-Canovic, M., Dumic, M., Vukicevic, O., Masic, Z., Zurovac-Kuzman, O., and Dakovic, A., 1997,
Adsorption of mycotoxins on modified clinoptilolite, in Kirov, G., Filizova, L., and Petrov, O., eds., Natural Zeolites--'95: Proceedings of the Sofia Zeolite Meeting ’95: Sofia, Bulgaria, Pensoft Publishers, p. 127-132.

Uygongco, G., Honeyman, M., Zimmerman, D.R., and Bundy, D., 1999, Effects of reduced nitrogen content and clinoptilolite supplementation of diets on growth performance, nitrogen excretion, and odor production: Swine Research Report ASL-R1663 (Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University).

Veldman, A., and Van der Aar, P.J., 1997, Effects of dietary inclusion of a natural clinoptilolite (Mannelite^TM) on piglet performance: Agribiological Research, v. 50, no. 4 p. 289-294.

Yannakopoulos, A., Tserveni-Gousi, A., Kassoli-Fournaraki, A., Tsiramides, A., Michalidis, K., Filippidis, A., and Lutat, U., 2000, Effects of dietary clinoptilolite-rich tuff on the performance of growing-finishing pigs: in Colella, C., and Mumpton, F.A. eds. "Natural Zeolites for the third Millennium" De Frede Editore, Napoli, Italy, p. 471-481.

Contact:
™
who: Casey and Mike Hatch
address: 148 N 100 E
Smithfield UT 84335
phone: 435.563.8118
435.753.2075
fax: 435.753.3631
web: www.z-oliteinc.com

Contact Us!
Email your orders, comments, questions, or anything else.

Updated: 05/18/04 02:34:48 MDT

Table 1. Weight gain and feed consumption of swine after zeolite supplementation.
	Supplemented group		Control Group
	Weight gain (kg/day)	Feed cons. (kg/kg)	Weight gain (kg/day)	Feed cons. (kg/kg)
Farm 1	0.639	3.51	0.655	3.93
Farm 2	0.589	3.83	0.562	4.16

Table 2. -Caloric Efficiency of Zeolite Supplements in Swine Feeding (a)
	Age of pigs Start Finish (days)		Average Weight Start Finish (kg)		Average wt. Gain (kg)	Average feed intake (kg) (b)	Average FEV (c)	Zeolite improvement
Experimental (d)	60	120	15.43	44.43	29.00	85.0	0.341
Control (d)	60	120	14.85	35.78	22.93	90.6	0.253	35 percent
Experimental (e)	99	178	30.73	85.30	54.57	167.6	0.326
Control (e)	99	178	31.20	73.50	42.30	136.2	0.308	6 percent

Table 3. -Effect of Zeolite Diets on Health of Swine (a)
Period	Zeolite Content of Rations	Sickness Causes Gastric Ulcer Pneumonia		Heart Dilatation Rate	Mortality (percent)	Medicine Cost/Head
2/72 to 1/73	0	77	128	6	4.0	$2.50
2/73 to 1/74	6 percent clinoptilolite	22	51	4	2.6	$1.75

Table 4. -Effect of Prenatal Zeolite Diet on Newborn Pigs (a)
Species	No. of pigs	Group	Average weight (kg)			Weight gain improvement
Species	No. of pigs	Group	Newborn	21-days	35-days	Weight gain improvement
Yorkshire	6	Experimental	1.25	4.3	7.83
Yorkshire	10	Control	1.10	4.2	4.81	63 percent
Laundry	6	Experimental	1.20	4.7	8.68
Launndry	10	Control	1.10	4.0	4.67	96 percent

Table 5. -Effect of Zeolite Supplement in the Diets of Early Weaned Pigs (a)
	Basal diet	Zeolite diet	Antibiotic diet
Number of Pigs	4	4	4
Average daily weight gain (g)	245	245	304
Feed efficiency value (FEV)e (weight gain/feed intake)	0.432	0.455	0.437

Table 6. -Effect of Zeolite Supplement in Molasses-Based Diets of Young Pigs (a)
	Zeolite level (%)
	0	2.5	5	7.5	10
	35-65 kg growth stage
Daily Gain (g)	621	694	700	704	659
Daily Intake (g) (b)	2900	3110	3090	2970	3040
Daily Feed Intake (g) (c)	2900	3030	2940	2750	2740
Feed Efficiency Value (FEB) (weight gain/feed intake) (d)	0.214	0.229	0.238	0.256	0.241
	65-100 kg growth stages
Daily Gain (g)	541	582	526	562	535
Daily Intake (g) (b)	3550	3900	4260	4430	4140
Daily Feed Intake (g) (c)	3550	3800	4050	4100	3730
Feed Efficiency Value (FEV) (weight gain/feed intake) (d)	0.152	0.153	0.130	0.137	0.143

Table 7. -Effect of Clinoptilolite Supplemental in the Diet of Swine (a)
	Control	2.5 % Clinoptilolite	5.0 % Clinoptilolite
Average initial weight (lb)	31.6	31.7	31.7
30-days: Average weight (lb) Average daily weight gain Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b) Feed Efficiency Value (c)	61.0	62.2	62.5
	1.09	1.12	1.17
	2.62	2.20	2.36
	0.382	0.455	0.424
60-days: Average weight (lb) Average daily weight gain Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b) Feed Efficiency Value (c)	105.7	107.3	106.2
	1.59	1.61	1.52
	2.80	3.05	3.09
	0.357	0.328	0.324
90-days: Average weight (lb) Average daily weight gain Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b) Feed Efficiency Value (c)	153.7	149.6	150.0
	1.72	1.51	1.57
	3.33	3.43	3.67
	0.300	0.292	0.272
120-days: Average weight (lb) Average daily weight gain Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b) Feed Efficiency Value (c)	188.2	177.8	176.4
	1.56	1.28	1.27
	3.94	5.63	4.30
	0.254	0.178	0.233
Overall: Average daily weight gain Feed/Pound of gain (lb) (b) Feed Efficiency Value (c)	1.49	1.40	1.37
	3.42	3.45	3.34
	0.292	0.290	0.299

5 Anai, Shozo, Baba, Isayo, Kawabe, Mitsurni, Akaboshi, Tatsumasa, and Tacloru, I, "Feeding Experiments With Zeoliteon Swine~" Kumamot o-ken Chikusan Chosa Sei-sekisho 1975, 101-107, 1976.	9. Buto, Kenji, anci Takahashi, Sada, "Experimental Use of Zeolite in Pregnant Sows," Internal Rept., Ichikawa Livestock Exp. Sta., 1967.
10. Castro, Mvand Elias, Aw Effect of the Inclusion of Zeolite in Final Molasses-Based Dietson the Performance of Grcwing-Fattening Pigs," Cuban~. Agric. Sci. 12, 69-75, 1978.	16. England, D.C. "Effect of Zeolite on Incidence and Severity of Scouring and Level of Performance of Pigs During Suckling and Early Post-weaning," Rept. 17th Swine Day Spec. Rept. 447, Agricul. Exp, Sta,, Oregon State University, 30-33, 1975.
24. Han, In K,, Ha, Jong K,, and Kim, Chun S., "Studies on the Nutritive Value of Zeolites. 1. Substitution Levels of Zeolite for Wheat Bran in the Rations of Growing-Fishing Swine," Korean J. Anim. Sci. 17, 595-599, 1975.	26, Hayashizaki, T., and Tsuneji, N., "Acaricidal Composition Containing Lime-Nitrogen," Japan, Kokai 73,031,888, October 1973. Fish Culture Systems, " Ph.D. dissertation, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
28. Heeney, M. W., "ClinoptiIolite in Swine Rations," Research Dept,, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO (unpublished), 1977.	39. Kondo, N., and Wagai, B., "Experimental Use of Clinoptilolite-Tuff as Dietary Supplement for Pigs," Yotonkai, May 1968, 1-4, 1968,
46 Ma, Chueng-Shyang, Tzeng, Chii-Ming, Lai, Ming-Kwei, and Tsai, A-Hai, "Effect of Zeolite Feeding of Pregnant Pigs on the Litter Size at Birth," K'o Hsueh Nung Yeh (Taipei) 27, 189-192, 1979.	49. Makita, Katsuo, "The Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Ulcer for Swine," Japan, Kokai 78, 020,437, Feb. 24, 1978.
53 Morita, Isamu, "Efficiency of Zeolites in Underdeveloped Pigs Affected With Diarrhea," Internal Dept., Gifu-city Animal Husbandry Center, Gifu, Japan, 1967.	70. Pond, W. G., and Mumpton, F. A., "Effect of Zeolite Supplementation of Early Weaned Pig Diets on Growth, Feed Utilization, and Diarrhea," Anim. Sci. Swine Memo 78-2, Cornell University, 1978.
83. Torii, Kazuo, "Utilization of Natural Zeolites in Japan." In: Natural Zeolites: Occurrence, Properties, Use, L. B. Sand and F. A. Mumpton (eds.) (Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press, 1978).