Main benefits
How is zeolite used?
Zeolite reduces ammonia levels in the animal’s intestines which helps to prevent health problems particularly in chickens. Zeolites adsorb the ammonia and are then excreted, and the excrement produces far less odour as a result of the inclusion of zeolite in the animal’s diet.
Zeolite can also be used directly in cattle stalls, pig pens and hen houses as an absorbent to reduce odours and capture ammonia which is held in the zeolite’s porous structure. It is particularly effective in hen houses where ammonia build up in the atmosphere can be detrimental to the health of the birds as well as a being a nuisance to neighbouring populations.
Common applications
ANIMAL NUTRITION
- Feed additive (1g568)
- Aflatoxin and mycotoxin binder
PETS
- Absorbent bedding for horses and poultry
- Pet cages
- Cat litter
LIVESTOCK FARMING
- Odor control in livestock facilities
- Ammonia reduction in
MANURE MANAGEMENT
- Absorption of the liquid fraction
- Subsequent application as a slow-release fertilizer
Other applications in animals and aquaculture
Natural zeolite is also used as an absorbent material in:
- Horse stables
- Zoos
- Bird cages
- Pet facilities
Zeolite is suitable for use with almost all mammal and bird species. It is not suitable for use with reptiles because of it’s highly absorbent character.
Zeolite is the perfect absorbent material for bird cages and is rapidly growing in popularity with bird keepers and breeders. Many birds, such as parrots for example, eat small quantities of certain minerals in their natural habitat to aid digestion, and natural zeolite can greatly improve the health and appearance of caged birds.
Another use of zeolite in the field of pet care is in aquarium filtration. Zeolite is very effective at removing ammonia from water and it is being used increasingly as a filter medium for aquariums, fish ponds, and even large scale fish farms (see Water Treatment page).
It is very popular with Koi keepers both as a filter medium to remove ammonia, and as a feed additive. Small quantities of micronized zeolite in the Koi’s diet make a noticeable difference to the fish’s health and appearance.
Sustainable waste management
and research
Zeolite offers an ecological solution to the problem of pig slurry which is a major concern in some areas of Spain. It can be used to absorb the liquid fraction of the slurry, and once saturated, it can be applied to fields as an effective slow release fertilzer. The zeolite holds the ammonium ions within its structure, thus preventing the formation of nitrates which cause a serious contamination problem. The ammonia, however, is still available to plants and is released slowly on demand.
These innovative ideas are being studied in detail at the Rancho Chinobampa in Mexico and their website www.ranchochinobampa.com.mx provides more information and ideas on how to use zeolites in agriculture. You can also view a wide range of scientific studies into the use of zeolites in animal related applications on the R+D page of our website.