BENEFITS

REDUCES 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 in feed components

INCREASED PELLET DURABILITY
Allows higher temperatures in pellet mills that increase production and gelatinization that make
more durable pellets.  

REDUCED NECESSITY FOR ANTIBIOTICS
BRZ™ 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 BRZ 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. BRZ helps solubilize phosphate from dicalcium phosphate and other
calcium phosphate sources that enhance bone growth.

INCREASED PRODUCTION
Less ammonia gas in the barn decreases respiratory problems, diarrhea, mortality rate, and
greater food intake result in healthier hogs that gain faster.

INCREASED NITROGEN CONTENT OF MANURE AND COMPOST

BRZ™ 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.

BRZ™ ADDS VALUE TO MANURE AND COMPOST

The introduction of BRZ™ 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. BRZ™ is a value
added soil amendment that should be advertised.

ODOR CONTROL

Reducing the ammonia gas in the barn and compost areas reduces the odor.

FLY CONTROL

Reduced ammonia gas and increased moisture absorption helps 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

Fixing the nitrogen and various heavy metals reduces the pollution of the groundwater with
nitrates and nitrites.

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.

Grower hogs fed a ration supplement with zeolite and the growth performance was prepared 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.

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 6). 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 wellbeing 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 7, 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 vital. 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, were 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 8, 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 arebecoming 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 9) (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 10) (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 11). 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.

aKOndo and Wagai (1968) Tests carried out using 5 percent clinoptilolite in rations of experimental groups

bExcluded zeolite

cFeed efficiency value - weight gain/feed intake

‘Eight Yorkshire pigs

eTwenty Yorkshire Pigs

Table 7.—Effect of Zeolite Diets on Health of Swinea

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

Table 8.—Effect of Prenatal Zeolite Diet on Newborn Pigsa

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

bweight-gain of experimental animals - weight-gain of control animals x 100.

.

Table 9.—Effect of Zeolite Supplement in the Diets of Early Weaned Pigsa

Basal dietb Zeolite dietc Antibiotic dietd

aPond and Mumpton (1978

b62% 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

cBasal diet less 10% cerelose plus 10°/0 clinoptilolite, -200 mesh, Castle Creek, Idaho

dBasal diet plus 0.3% Aurofac 10 antibiotic

eExcluding zeolite.

Table 10.—Effect of Zeolite Supplement in Molasses-Based Diets of Young Pigsa

aCastro and Elias (1978)

blncluding zeolite

Clntake less zeolite

‘Excluding zeolite.

Table 11 .—Effect of Clinoptilolite Supplemental in the Diet of Swinea

aFrom 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.

bExcluding zeolite

CWeight gain/feed Intake, excluding zeolite

References

INTRODUCTION

Swine production, like many other Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO’s) in the U.S. has been
the focus of regulations by states more than most other CAFO’s.  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 Offensive 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 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 or ammonium
sulfate 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 Ca, K, and 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

Ř    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.

Ř    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

Ř    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, P, and K
due to precipitation.  In addition, during winter months of cold climates, proper composting
temperatures cannot be maintained.

Ř    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 

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

Ř   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).

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

Ř    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.

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

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

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

Ř    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.

Ř    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). 

Ř   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.

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. 

Properties of some natural clinoptilolites for commercial sale by producers
or marketers in the U.S.and Canada.

n.r. = not reported  

Diluent                         opal CT,              opal CT,               opal CT,

Minerals:                   “clay”, calcite      quartz, mica          quartz, mica,

(by XRD)                                                                          plagioclase

Surface area (m²/g):          67.1               14.1                      24.9

Nitrogen exchange capacity 1.48%          1.33%               1.85-2.2%

 (USGS Open file Report 96-661 table 10 for exchanged Nitrogen)                                                                                                                                                           

Data Source:  www.naturalzeolites.   www.badgerminingcorp.     www.agricolametals. 

                        com/propert.htm        com/ashmeadows/          com/order.html        

Diluent Mineral     no sample          quartz, calcite, orthoclase    no sample (by XRD)                                                                                                                        

Nitrogen exchange capacity  --------not known for these     -----------------------------         

Surface area (m²/g):       ?                          14.5                            ?                      

Data Updated 08/10/01GAD