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Zeolites Applications in Veterinary Medicine

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Zeolites Applications in Veterinary
Medicine
MarcSimona and TulcanCamelia
Abstract
Zeolites have a wide range of use, from construction industries, aquaculture
industries, agriculture, space research to human and veterinary medicine. This
broad application of natural and synthetic zeolites is given by their main proper-
ties: adsorption, molecular sieving and cation exchange capacity. In this chapter
the main use of zeolites in veterinary medicine is reviewed. The beneficial effects
of zeolites in animal nutrition, on mycotoxins, as an adjuvant in anticancer treat-
ment and in increasing passive immunity of newborn ruminants are reported.
Furthermore, multiple advantageous immune effects of zeolites such as their
antioxidant capacity or their non-specific superantigen-like immunoglobulin action
are also reviewed. Finally, their main positive effect on passive immunity in new-
born calves is discussed. Literature data reviewed confirms their beneficial role in
newborn calves during colostral period.
Keywords: zeolites, feed additive, immunostimulation, ruminants
. Introduction
The first group of zeolite minerals was discovered in 1765 by a Swedish miner-
alogist A.F.Cronstedt who described several species found in well-defined crystals.
He noticed that some heated minerals began to lose their constituent water with a
boiling-like appearance, hence the name of zeolite (from the Greek words “zeos”
and “lithos” which translate as “boiling stone”) [1].
Zeolites are natural, hydrated, crystalline aluminosilicates made up of three-
dimensional networks extended by AlO4 and SiO4 linked together by oxygen atoms,
which make up a rigid, open, honeycomb-like skeleton, generally including cations
which neutralize the excess negative charge of aluminum tetrahedra and water
molecules. Each AlO4 tetrahedral network supports a net negative charge that is
balanced by a cation, usually from the I-A or II-A group (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe). These
ions are not part of the zeolite network and can be changed by other cations such as
heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) or ammonium ions [2–4].
There are 67 natural zeolite minerals accepted by the Natural Zeolites
Commission of the International Zeolite Association (IZA) and all have a unique
three-letter code [5].
Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin, generally the most used natural zeolite, is
authorized by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) no. 651/2013 as a
feed additive for all animal species [6]. In the United States, clinoptilolite belongs to
the sodium aluminosilicate category and has the status of Generally Recognized as
Safe (GRAS) (Code of Federal Regulations CFR, Title 21, Section 182.2727) [7].
Zeolites - New Challenges
Due to their main properties: adsorption, molecular sieving and cation
exchange, zeolites have a wide use in many areas. For example, in agriculture,
natural zeolites are used to obtain fertilizers capable of better nitrogen retention
and in a slow and controlled release of fertilizers, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)
increase [8, 9]. In aquaculture industry natural, synthetic or modified zeolites are
used as adsorbents for ammonia removal from fish farming ponds and transporta-
tion tanks, as a cation-exchanger for removal of different toxic heavy metals from
fresh water and sea water cultures and as a feed supplement to enhance fish growth
[3]. Also, zeolites can increase the nutrient (by addition of micronutrients) and
water use efficiency of drylands (by their water holding capacity) [9]. Natural
zeolites are used in wastewater, surface waters, ground and underground water,
drinking water treatment [10, 11], in decontamination of radioactive waste water
[12] and in agro-industrial wastewater treatment due to their exceptional cationic
exchange and adsorption properties [13]. In construction field through their excel-
lent properties, mainly porosity, specific weight and adsorption, they can be used
as a building stone [14], in zeoponic substrates—artificial soils developed by the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration—for plant growth in space [15],
and as potential slow-release carriers for herbicides, insecticides and other organic
compounds, protecting in this way the environment from chemicals [16].
In animal production, alternative products as zeolites are a solution to ensure
health, productive performance (yield and quality of carcass, milk yield), to reduce
the effects of mycotoxins on animal health status, to remove selectively pathogens
from the animal gut without reducing microbial richness and finally to increase
farm profitability. All of these effects has been extensively studied in the last decade
[1728] and are schematic represented in Figure .
Clinoptilolite is also used as a biomedical feed ingredient due to its beneficial
properties as a growth-promoter and immunostimulant and can constitute an alter-
native to antibiotic growth promoters [29], since European Union legislation has
banned the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in 2006, because the overuse of
antibiotics in animals can contribute to emergence of antibiotic resistance [30].
Zeolites can have a protective effect in intoxication and in reducing parasite
infestations. These effects are evidenced by researchers who observed that clino-
ptilolite (2g/kg) could have some protective effect in organophosphorus poisoning
in sheep by protecting the rumen flora and by preventing the decrease of cholin-
esterase activity [31]; in lead intoxication in mice, clinoptilolite given in 10/1 ratio
Figure 1.
The main applications of zeolites in veterinary medicine.
Zeolites Applications in Veterinary Medicine
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87969
(clinoptilolite/Pb) adsorbed 91% of Pb, and when supplementing 3% clinoptilolite
feed to pigs that received 150ppm CdCl2, clinoptilolite prevented Cd-induced
anemia by adsorption of Cd [32]; and in reducing the excretion of cysts in goat kids
with giardiasis [33]. It also had beneficial effects in infestations with nematode
larvae in lambs, producing an increase in feed consumption and in body mass [34].
Some types of zeolites are studied for their adsorption properties in order to
improve the life of people suffering from chronic kidney disease, who need to undergo
weekly hemodialysis. Dialysis membranes made from zeolite and polymer are studied
in order to improve the performance of hemodialysis. Nanofiber membranes made
from zeolite and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) adsorb creatinine, with the best results for
940-HOA (beta) zeolites (25,423μg/g in 625μmol/L creatinine solution) [35] and P87
zeolite in combination with polyethersulfone, used because of their improved resis-
tance to fouling, thermal stability, chemical resistance and due to their high adsorption
level of indoxyl sulfate (550μg/g membrane) [36]. When zeolite was used along
polyethersulfone (PES) and dimethyl formamide (DMF) in proper concentration:
17:0.5:82.5 (PES:zeolit:DMF), creatinine concentration decreased by 91.99%, which
suggests the possibility of using these membranes in haemodialysis [37].
. As dietary supplements in animal nutrition
In animal husbandry, natural and synthetic zeolites have been mostly used to
improve productive performance. The proposed mechanisms involved in achieving
the increase in productive performance in animals are: ammonia binding, reducing
toxic effects of ammonia produced by intestinal microbial activity; low passage
rate of digesta through the intestines and more efficient use of nutrients; enhanced
pancreatic enzymes activity-favorable effect on feed components hydrolysis over a
wider range of pH, improved energy and protein retention; elimination of myco-
toxin growth inhibitory effects [32].
Due to the beneficial effects of the gradual release of ammonia ions on microbial
synthesis in the rumen, zeolites are used especially in high non-protein nitrogen
feed ratio. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies have shown that 15% of ruminal
NH4+ can be adsorbed by zeolites, thus reducing the toxic effects of urea (increased
rumen pH and ammonia concentration in rumen and blood). Thus clinoptilolite
(6%) in the feed of dairy cows receiving urea significantly reduced the concentra-
tion of NH4+ in the rumen [32]. Also, a decrease in ruminal pH in diets with 1%
clinoptiloliten is reported [38].
Milk fever and ketosis are the most common metabolic diseases that occur in
cows with high milk production. Cows that received zeolite (1kg zeolite/day for
4weeks before calving) did not experience subclinical hypocalcemia [39]. Also, the
administration of zeolite A (sodium aluminosilicate) to pregnant cows during the
dry period (1.4kg zeolite A/day in the last 2weeks of gestation) reduced the inci-
dence of milk fever. The mode of action of synthetic zeolite A is to reduce the bio-
availability of fodder calcium at the gastrointestinal level (calcium binding capacity
of zeolite is 110mg/g Ca at pH 11), stimulating Ca-homeostatic mechanisms before
calving. At calving, the plasma level of calcium was significantly higher in the
experimental group (p<0.0001); with a slight drop of inorganic magnesium and
phosphorus, that set up a week postpartum [40].
When clinoptilolite was administered (2.5%) in the last month of gestation, the
incidence of milk fever was 5.9%, compared to 38.9% in the control group. Also,
clinoptilolite (2.5%) administered during the dry period reduced the incidence of
ketosis (5.9%) by improving the energy metabolism through increased produc-
tion of propionate in the rumen and by better recovery of feed [32]. Katsoulos
Zeolites - New Challenges
etal. revealed that long-term clinoptilolite administration (from 4weeks before
calving to the next dry period) at different doses (1.25 and 2.5%) did not have
adverse effects on the liver and serum glucose concentrations, ketone bodies, total
protein and urea did not change, with a higher milk production and a lower ketosis
incidence [41]. Moreover, other important minerals such as: Cu, Zn, Fe were not
influenced by the long-term administration of clinoptilolite (1.25 and 2.5%), which
highlights the safety of this natural compound [19].
Also, in combination with yeast, clinoptilolite (Rumencure: yeast 60% and
clinoptilolite 40%) given to cows for a long period (30days) had no apparent
adverse effects on their liver function and on some biochemical parameters
(glucose, ketone bodies, blood urea nitrogen and total proteins) [42].
. Positive effects against mycotoxins
Due to the increased incidence of contamination with mycotoxins, it has been
attempted to use inert feed adsorbents to bind mycotoxins, thus reducing their
Dietary rate Species (N) Effect Ref.
20g/kg clinoptilolite in feed
contaminated with 1mg/kg
aflatoxins for 42days
Broiler
chickens
N=480
Decreased the severity of lesions and
effectively diminished the detrimental
effects of aflatoxins
[45]
1% synthetic zeolites NaA in feed
contaminated with 2.5mg/kg
aflatoxin B1 from 21 to 42days of age
Male
broiler
chicks
N=80
Zeolite NaA can counteract some of the
toxic effects of aflatoxin A in growing
broiler chicks
[46]
3 and 5% clinoptilolite in feed
contaminated with 2ppm aflatoxin
from day 1 to 7weeks of age
Male
chicks
N=900
The level of 5% clinoptilolite was better
in reduction the effects of alfatoxin
than 3% clinoptilolite ratio
[47]
0.2% Minazel Plus/0.2%
Mycosorb/0.2% Mycofix-plus in
feed contaminated with 2ppm T-2
toxin for 21days
“Ross”
broiler
chicks
N=160
Pathohistological examination of liver,
bursa of Fabricius and small intestine
revealed better protective effects in
groups fed with Mycofix-plus than
in groups with Minazel Plus and
Mycosorb were protective failure was
noted
[48]
2% clinoptilolite in feed
contaminated with 2.5ppm aflatoxin
B1 for 4weeks
Laying
hens
N=96
The livers of hens showed very low
mycotoxin concentrations
[49]
0.2% Min-a-Zel Plus in feed
contaminated with 3mg/kg
zearalenone for 14days
Piglets
N=20
Agonistic effect due to oestrogen
reduction
[22]
0.2% organozeolite
0.5% organozeolite in feed
contaminated with 8.3mg ZEN/kg
for 53days
Lambs
N=64
The organozeolite reduced the content
of zearalenone in liver, kidneys and
muscles
Addition of 0.5% Min-a-Zel Plus
eliminated zearalenone from all organs,
totally
[17]
200g clinoptilolite/animal/day for
7day
Dairy
cattle
N=15
farms
Significantly reduced aflatoxin M1in
milk at an average rate of 56.2%
[50]
Table 1.
The summarized effects of zeolites on mycotoxins as reported in literature data.
Zeolites Applications in Veterinary Medicine
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87969
intestinal absorption and toxic effects on animals and animal products. Annually,
it is estimated that about 25% of the world’s harvested crops are contaminated
by mycotoxins, leading to huge agricultural and industrial losses [43]. The first
adsorbents successfully used in poultry, swine, sheep and bovine breeding were
phyllosilicates, namely bentonite [32].
The adsorption process is strongly related to the pore size, the adsorbent
contact surface, polarity, solubility, and the size of the mycotoxin molecules that
are adsorbed (e.g., aflatoxins B1 and B2 have 5.18Å and aflatoxins G1 and G2 are
6.50Å). Clinoptilolite has the highest in vitro adsorption, over 80% for aflatoxins B1
and G2 [44], with effects demonstrated especially in the poultry industry [4549],
but also in piglets [22], lambs [17] and dairy cattle [50] as are presented in Table.
Studies performed by Serbian researchers have demonstrated in vivo and in
vitro that clinoptilolite preparations adsorb ohratoxin A, zearalenone, aflatoxin
B1, B2, G2, T-2 toxin, ergosine, ergocristine, ergocryptine and ergometrine in
feed [51, 52]. The proportion of adsorption by clinoptilolite particles of the toxins
enumerated in vitro varies depending on the concentration of these toxins and
can range up to 99%. The main mycotoxins adsorbed by Min-a-Zel Plus, modified
clinoptilolite, are: aflatoxin B1–99%, zearalenone—94%, ochratoxin A—96% and
ergot alkaloids—97% [51, 52]. In another study, T2 toxin—a secondary metabolite
of Fusarium fungi—was adsorbed on average in 30% by Min-a-zel Plus, Mycosorb
(esterified glucomanane) and mixed binder Mycofix (inorganic binder, bacteria,
enzymes and phytogenic material extracted from plants) in in vitro conditions at
pH 3 [53].
. Adjuvant in anticancer treatment
The first studies of anticancer effect of zeolites were performed at the beginning
of 2001 when it was observed that the treatment with clinoptilolite of different
tumors in mice and dogs have improved their life span and tumors have decreased
in size [54]. In vitro studies using cancer cell cultures revealed the clinoptilolite
inhibitory effect on protein kinase B (B-Akt), which reduced the growth of can-
cer cells and increased their apoptosis. Inhibition occurred only in the presence
of serum. This finding suggests that adsorption of serum components may be a
possible mode of action. Adsorption of molecules involved in transduction signals,
such as inositol, phosphatides and Ca, can contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. It
also induces expression of tumor suppressor proteins, p21 WAF1/CIP and p27 KIP1,
blocking the growth of cancer cell lines. It is assumed that clinoptilolite reduces
the exchange rate of intestinal epithelial cells, prolonging their activity, and that
silicates and aluminosilicates can interact directly with some cells by modifying
their intracellular pathways, and this leads to the alterations in the regulation of
gene expression. Changing the order of interaction of other proteins with mem-
brane proteins may be involved, since membrane transport is required to activate
protein kinase B [54]. Studies in mice injected i.v. with melanoma cells but receiving
a micronized zeolite through gastric intubation for 28days, revealed an increase in
allogeneic graft versus host (GVH) in lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and a reduc-
tion in pulmonary metastases. The researchers’ hypothesis is that the local inflam-
mation caused by zeolite application, attracts peritoneal macrophages, and these
cells in turn produce TNFα that stimulates spleen T-cells, which amplify the local
inflammatory response [55]. Also, a reduction in the metabolic rate of cancer cells
and a reduced production of 4-hydroxyinonenal following an anti-cancer treatment
(Doxorubicin) along with tribomechanically micronized clinoptilolite, having in
this way a potentiator effect on anticancer drugs, were reported [56].
Zeolites - New Challenges
In another in vitro study done on mouse fibrosarcoma cells and other types of
cells incubated for 24h together with clinoptilolite researchers observed that the
number of viable cells, DNA synthesis and activity of EGF-R, PKB/Akt and NFKB
was reduced while apoptosis was enhanced maybe because clinoptilolite affects
cellular microenvironment through mechanisms that are dependent on its charac-
teristics [57].
. Effects on health status and growth performance
Clinoptilolite is also used as feed ingredient due to its beneficial properties as
immunostimulant. One explanation of beneficial immune effects of silica, silicates
and aluminosilicates could be their action as non-specific superantigen-like immu-
noglobulins (SAg). SAg are viral and bacterial toxins that are capable of activating
a large population of T-cells. Activation occurs as a result of the simultaneous
interaction between SAg, the T cell receptor (TcR) variable region β and the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on the surface of antigen pre-
senting cells (APC). Consequently, SAg stimulates 10–30% of T-cells, as opposed
to 0.01–0.0001% as it stimulates common antigens. Proinflammatory macrophages
belonging to APC cells, CMH class II are activated by the particles of silicates [58].
An indirect action of clinoptilolite on the immune system is also achieved by its
antioxidant capacity. Sverko etal. showed that administration of tribomechani-
cally-activated clinoptilolite (12.5%) alone or together with Urtica dioica extract in
mice per os for 3weeks significantly reduced lipid peroxidation processes in the liver
and significantly increased the content of superoxide-dismutase, an antioxidant
enzyme. The antioxidant role of clinoptilolite is probably given by positive electrons
that neutralize free radicals [59].
In weaned piglets that received 0.5% clinoptilolite for 5weeks, it was observed
that clinoptilolite was effective as an immunomodulatory agent by promoting the
recruitment of circulating and intestinal immune cell subsets, even though it did
not improve growth in weaned pigs, and generally failed to improve their feed con-
version efficiency [60]; in heifers vaccinated against Escherichia coli (day 210 and
240 of gestation) the potentiating effect of clinoptilolite on the immune response
was highlighted, and it indirectly improved the protection of calves [61].
In newborns, adding clinoptilolite to colostrum improves intestinal absorp-
tion of colostrum globulin, creating a good protection against neonatal diseases
[18,62–64].
Colostral period represents an important moment for the newborn ruminants,
because in these species acquiring passive immunity is achieved exclusively through
ingestion and absorption of adequate amounts of colostral immunoglobulins (Ig)
[65]. Obtaining a good protection against neonatal diseases depends on how well
this period is managed.
Scientific evidence highlights positive effects of zeolite supplementation on pas-
sive immunity [18, 21, 62] and on biochemical parameters [20, 23, 66] in newborns
calves.
When we analyzed the effects of clinoptilolite supplemented in colostrum
on blood serum protein electrophoretic pattern of newborn calves that received
colostrum supplemented with 0.5 and 2% clinoptilolite, at 30h after birth, the
concentrations of γ-globulins, β-globulin and total protein in the group of calves
that received 0.5% clinoptilolite (E1) were higher than in the control group by
42.11% (p<0.05), 28.48% (p>0.05) and 18.52% (p>0.05), respectively, and were
higher, but not significantly, in the group that received 0.5% clinoptilolite (E2), and
a significantly lower albumin/globulin ratio in groups E1 and E2 (29.35%, p<0.05
Zeolites Applications in Veterinary Medicine
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87969
and 35.87%, p<0.05, respectively) was reported, compared with the control group
at 30h postpartum, which indicates an obvious increase in globulin fractions in
experimental groups. Clinoptilolite was effective in improving passive transfer in
newborn calves, better if added in colostrum in a dose of 0.5% than in a dose of 2%
(Figure ) [67].
A possible way of clinoptilolite action is explained, based on observation in
Wistar rats that received zeolite for 34days (6% of their weight) [68]. Some modi-
fications of intestinal cells were observed, such as: the microvilli length was higher
(1.2 vs. 2.0), the number of microvilli per 10μm was higher (54.4 vs. 64.8) their
diameter was smaller (0.17 vs. 0.13) compared to the control group, and also that
the cellular organisms of the enterocytes, the density of mitochondrial membranes
and the number of attached ribosomes were higher, which indicates a rise in the
adaptation processes of the cells [68].
In an experiment carried out in 20 newborn calves in order to observe the clini-
cal effects of clinoptilolite added in colostrum (20ml clinoptilolite/L colostrum)
during the first three meals, we concluded that administration of zeolites appears to
reduce the incidence of diarrhea because only two calves from experimental group
had health problems, one had bronchopneumonia and the other digestive transit
difficulties with symptoms appearing after 28days (not in neonatal period) in
comparison with the control group where all calves had diarrhea in the first 11days
of life. The other parameter, growth performance measured on day 0, 45 and 90
revealed that during the first 45days body weight of calves treated with clinoptilolite
was significantly higher compared with the group of calves receiving only colostrum
(C) (p<0.0058) (E1/C=+16.96%). This statistical difference at 45days may be
explained by the high number of calves from the control group suffering from health
problems and this affected the daily gain. At 90days, the difference between groups
was not significant (p<0.1035) (E2/C=+7.19%) [69, 70]. Similar results were
obtained by Step etal. who found that body weight and average daily gain did not
differ between treatment groups (clinoptilolite dosage was 0.5 and 2%) [23]. More
Figure 2.
Representative serum protein electrophoretograms observed in calves that received colostrum supplemented with
0.5% (e–h) and 2% clinoptilolite (i–l) compare with control group (a–d) at different time interval (0, 6, 16
and 30h postpartum) [67].
Zeolites - New Challenges
recently, Ural etal. observed increased total weight and mean daily gain in calves
that receive clinoptilolite (1 or 2g/kg) in colostrum at calving, 12 and 24h [71].
In another study, the addition of 0.5g and 1g/kg body weight per day in colos-
trum and milk for 45days reduced fecal score and its severity, probably by retarding
effect of clinoptilolite on intestinal passage rate [21]. The activity of clinoptilolite
on reducing signs of diarrhea could be caused by: alteration of metabolic acidosis
through effects on osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen; or through retention
of the enterotoxigenic E. coli thus limiting its attachment to the intestinal cell-
membrane receptors); and also due to water adsorption property of zeolites, the
feces appear drier and more compact [32].
In human medicine there are studies that support the beneficial properties of
purified natural clinoptilolite as an anti-diarrheic treatment [72]. More recent
studies performed on aerobically trained subjects, who received for 12weeks
zeolite-clinoptilolite supplementation, highlighted the positive effects of zeolites
on intestinal wall integrity. The results were based on decreased concentrations of
zonulin, an intercellular tight junction modulator, improving in this way intestinal
barrier integrity [73].
Also, clinoptilolite improve antioxidant capacity in broilers [74]; it is used as a
feed additive in fish diets [75] and in turkey diets [76].
Analyzing the effects of clinoptilolite on mineral parameters in newborn
Romanian Black and White calves that received 5g/l (group E1) and 20g/l (group
E2) at parturition, and 12 and 24h postpartum, we observed that clinoptilolite
supplementation increased serum Ca (with 37.34% in group E1, with 21.42% in
group E2in comparison with the control group and with 13.11% in E1/E2 at 30h
postpartum), P (with 37.34% in group E1, with 21.42% in group E2in comparison
with the control group and with 13.11% in E1/E2 at 30h postpartum), Mg concen-
tration (increased in groups E1in comparison with the control group (p<0.003)
and E2 (p<0.009) at 30h postpartum in neonatal calves) with the most spectacu-
lar increase in iron concentration (with +144.70% in group E1 (p<0.0005) and
with +126.16% in group E2 (p<0.002) at 30h postpartum) [64].
When analyzing the same parameters in other breed (Holstein) and other
colostrum quantity (3L), we observed that the most significant effect (p<0.0006)
was on serum iron concentrations in experimental (27.64±3.78μmol/l) vs. control
group (8.93±1.26μmol/l) and it did not have negative effects on other biochemical
parameters (Ca, P, Mg, GGT, ALAT, ASAT, ALP) after 48h postpartum, one more
time proving that morpho-functional processes that take place in the newborns,
necessary for adapting to the new environment, were not affected by clinoptilolite
[63]. A possible explanation of increased iron level could be that in duodenum and
in the anterior part of jejunum, where iron absorption takes place, clinoptilolite
influences iron absorption due to the ion exchange properties, altering in this
way the pH or reducing intestinal transit of digesta, which could lead to a better
utilization of nutrients [32, 77]. It has been shown previously that low intestinal
motility and acidic pH promote iron absorption and that in the bovine neonate,
the pH of the whole intestinal content ranges from 5.5 to 6.5; also, the motility of
the gastrointestinal tract becomes well organized only after 2–3days of postnatal
life [78, 79]. This feature could be important in preventing iron deficiency anemia
(Fe<14.32μmol/l) especially in veal calves fed exclusively with milk.
Short term supplementation of clinoptilolite did not affect hepatic and renal
function of newborn calves and that morpho-functional changes of the newborn
organism in adapting to extrauterine environment were normal, without any influ-
ence of clinoptilolite, as observed after analyzing α-amylase, total bilirubin, creati-
nine, uric acid, urea, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. Biochemical values were
measured in the first 48h in the newborn calves. Values recorded were physiological
Zeolites Applications in Veterinary Medicine
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87969
for the neonatal period and had no significant difference between groups, high-
lighting once more the safety of clinoptilolite in newborn nutrition [80].
The activity of the most important enzymes is changing very fast after the first
feedings. We observed that adding clinoptilolite in the first three meals of colostrum
influenced the enzymes as follows: GGT activity significantly increased in group E2
(20g/L clinoptilolite) at 6h after birth (E2/C: +64.83%, p<0.05) and in group E1
(5g/L clinoptilolite) at 16h after birth (E1/C: +118.55%, p<0.05) in comparison
with the control group (C—received only mother colostrum); ALP increased after
birth in all calves and adding clinoptilolite in colostrum influenced activity of ALP
only in group E1 at 30h postpartum; transaminases were low at birth in all calves
but after feeding they increased, this coincided with the period when a morpho-
functional condition of the liver is changing in a newborn calf; adding clinoptilolite
(5g/L colostrum) to colostrum determined increased ASAT (E1/C: +71.58%,
p<0.01) and ALAT (E1/C: +278.82%, p<0.006) activity at 30h postpartum [81].
As literature data suggests, serum GGT is the only enzyme to increase markedly as a
result of its absorption from the colostrum; other serum enzymes, such as aspartate
aminotransferase (ASAT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), are presumably released
from the tissues of the calf [82]. A good interpretation of the serum enzyme activity
in newborn calves must consider the physiological increase which occurs after feed-
ing colostrum in the first days after parturition, a period very important for the calf
but also for the cow [83].
. Conclusion
Based on our research data and on continuously published literature data world-
wide regarding the use of zeolites in veterinary medicine, we confirm that they can
be used in animal nutrition as feed additives, mainly to reduce the gastrointestinal
absorption of mycotoxins; in newborn calves, they can be used as enhancers of
passive immunity during colostral period; also, to increase health status and growth
performance of animals and as an adjuvant in anticancer treatment, with a promis-
ing perspective in this field.
Acknowledgements
This work was performed through the project “Ensuring excellence in R&D
activity within BUASVM Timisoara” code 35PFE, developed with the support
of Ministry of Research and Innovation, Romania, the contracting author-
ity for Program 1—Developing national R&D, Subprogram 1.2—Performance
Institutional, Institutional Development Project—Financing projects of excellence
in R&D.
Zeolites - New Challenges

Author details
MarcSimona* and TulcanCamelia
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and
Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timişoara, Romania
*Address all correspondence to: simo20_med@yahoo.com
† Equal contribution authorship.
© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.

Zeolites Applications in Veterinary Medicine
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87969
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978-973-744-232-1
... In the spatial network of zeolites, a system of channels and chambers can be distinguished, which determines their physicochemical characteristics. The porous structure, high capacity ('molecular sieves') and the ability to exchange ions have made zeolites widely used in many fields, including biomedical research and agriculture (Simona and Camelia, 2019). Zeolites possess a negatively charged surface and thus can react with positively charged molecules and neutralize them. ...
... The crude protein content of tested diets was similar and amounted approximately 10%. Interestingly, clinoptilolite has been classified by the European Union as a dietary supplement for animals (Simona and Camelia, 2019), while zeolite ZP-4A has been approved as a food additive and classified as 'additives other than colours and sweeteners' (E554, according to the manufacturer's information). Daily feed intake was strictly controlled and any appearing orts (if present) were weighed and stored for further analysis. ...
Article
The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the effects of different types of zeolites and their contribution in the diet on polysaccharidases activity in the rumen of heifers. Natural and synthetic zeolites and their various amounts (2 and 4% dry matter) were used. The study was performed on 5 rumen-fistulated Jersey heifers in a 5 x 5 Latin square design with 5 dietary treatments (control, 2% natural zeolites – ZN2, 2% synthetic zeolites – ZS2, 4% natural zeolites – ZN4, 4% synthetic zeolites – ZS4) and 5 experimental periods. The samples of ruminal digesta were taken from animals before feeding and 3 h after feeding. The significant interactions of diet and sampling time were shown for cellulolytic (P = 0.005), xylanolytic (P = 0.050) and amylolytic (P = 0.044) activities. The addition of 4% ZN to the diet significantly increased pectinolytic activity in the rumen in comparison to control group (P = 0.035). Interestingly, an upward trend of amylolytic activity has been shown (P = 0.082) in ZN2 group. The incorporation of 2% ZS to the diet significantly increased cellulolytic activity compared to control (P = 0.020) and ZN2 diets (P = 0.002). It can be concluded that zeolites can act in the origin- and dosedependent manner. An increased activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes can be related to buffering properties of zeolites, which create favourable conditions for the growth and development of microorganisms. Differences between zeolites action on studied parameters may be derived from their chemical composition and particle size.
... Finally, clinoptilolite's antioxidant effects and restoration of antioxidant defense mechanisms may also be linked to the positive general systemic impact (Pavelic et al., 2018). There has been recent interest in the use of natural zeolites as a feed additive and as a means of reducing odor and ammonia emissions from broiler houses (Simona and Camelia 2019). Organic acids work in poultry, not only as a growth promoter but also as a meaningful tool of controlling all enteritic bacteria, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic (Wolfenden et al., 2007). ...
... Moreover, organic acids feeding is believed to have several beneficial effects such as improving feed conversion ratio, growth performance, enhancing mineral absorption and speeding recovery from fatigue. Contrary to antibiotics, organic acids have other properties like; lowering of the chime pH consequently, enhancing of protein digestion (Brzoska et al. 2013, Simona and Camelia 2019, Ali et al., 2020. Little data are available on performance of broiler chickens fed with organic acids and zeolite. ...
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The present study was carried out at Poultry Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University, with aim to study the effect of dietary supplementation of zeolite and organic acids on the performance of broiler chickens. One hundred eight one-day old broiler chicks (Ross) were purchased and randomly divided into 4 experimental groups each group containing 3 replicates with 9 birds in each replicate.: T1 received basal diet and acts as control, T2 received 2% Zeolite, T3 received acidified drinking water by 1% blend of organic acids and T4 received 2% zeolite with acidified drinking water by 1% blend of organic acids. In the starter period (0-3weeks), the best FCR was for the zeolite group and combined group compared to acidified group and control group, but in the grower period (3-6 weeks) the best FCR was in group of blends with organic acids and combined group than the other treatments. Concerning whole experimental period (0-7 weeks) feed intake and weight gain were better in groups of zeolite and blend of organic acids followed by group of combined supplementations than the control group, however; at the end of the experiment the three treated groups recorded the best FCR indices compared to control. This can prove that supplementing diet had a significant (P
... However, some studies found that supplementing the diet with natural clinoptilolite improves the intestinal health status and productive performance and/or feed efficiency of the animals such as broilers [2,3,20,[46][47][48][49]. Similarly, their beneficial effects on the turkey [22], Japanese quails [50], pigs [15,51], sheep [52,53], calves [52,54], and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) [55]. Numerous studies in this field have found that using natural clinoptilolite improves the performance parameters of various animal species, which has been attributed to the type of the product used, its purity and physicochemical adsorption characteristics, and supplementation levels [56,57]. ...
... However, some studies found that supplementing the diet with natural clinoptilolite improves the intestinal health status and productive performance and/or feed efficiency of the animals such as broilers [2,3,20,[46][47][48][49]. Similarly, their beneficial effects on the turkey [22], Japanese quails [50], pigs [15,51], sheep [52,53], calves [52,54], and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) [55]. Numerous studies in this field have found that using natural clinoptilolite improves the performance parameters of various animal species, which has been attributed to the type of the product used, its purity and physicochemical adsorption characteristics, and supplementation levels [56,57]. ...
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Background: Using natural zeolites as a food additive in poultry diets offers an intriguing perspective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite addition and particle size on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, moisture of excreta and litter, and intestinal measurements during 35 days. Methods: A total of 560 1-day-old female Ross-308 broilers were divided into five treatment levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g zeolite/kg diet) (n = 16 replicates/treatment, n = 8 replicates /particle size of each treatment). Performance was calculated weekly. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, small intestine (SI) measurements, litter pH, and moisture content were determined on day 35. Results: Litter pH, breast redness, cooking loss, chewiness, total weight, and SI length were all affected by zeolite treatments (p < 0.05). Particle size had an impact on the gastric pH and texture analysis. Their interaction had an effect on color redness, litter pH, and cooking loss. Performance was unaffected by either the main or interaction effects. Conclusion: Zeolite as a feed additive may be useful in broiler diets, particularly large particles. The performance and production efficiency factor improved numerically (p > 0.05) with increasing zeolite doses up to 10 g zeolite/kg diet.
... Interestingly, the first specific tests on animals were performed in Japan in 1965, when natural zeolites were used as dietary supplements for ruminants, swine, and poultry. Subsequent scientific investigations showed a significant increase in feed efficiency and in the general health of livestock, with no apparent side effects [12,21,22]. Various studies applying low doses of zeolite-tuff (0.2-5% clinoptilolite-tuff/kg feed), combined with mycotoxin-contaminated feed, revealed remarkable results by preventing mycotoxin-related issues (mycotoxicoses; [22]). ...
... Subsequent scientific investigations showed a significant increase in feed efficiency and in the general health of livestock, with no apparent side effects [12,21,22]. Various studies applying low doses of zeolite-tuff (0.2-5% clinoptilolite-tuff/kg feed), combined with mycotoxin-contaminated feed, revealed remarkable results by preventing mycotoxin-related issues (mycotoxicoses; [22]). For an average person with 80 kg bodyweight, a daily application of 2 g PCT corresponds to 0.0025% PCT/kg, compared with an animal receiving 0.2-5% zeolite-tuff/kg at each feed. ...
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Various gluten-related diseases (celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity) are known and their incidence is growing. Gluten is a specific type of plant storage protein that can impair the health of gluten-prone persons following consumption, depending on the origin. The most severe effects are induced by wheat, barley, and rye. The only treatment is based on the absolute avoidance of those foods, as even traces might have severe effects on human well-being. With the goal of binding gluten impurities after ingestion, an in vitro setting was created. A special processed kind of zeolite, purified clinoptilolite-tuff (PCT), was implemented as an adsorber of gluten derived from different origins. Zeolites are known for their excellent sorption capacities and their applications in humans and animals have been studied for a long time. Tests were also performed in artificial gastric and intestinal fluids, and the adsorption capacity was determined via a certified validated method (ELISA). Depending on the kind of gluten source, 80–130 µg/mg of gluten were bound onto PCT. Hence, purified clinoptilolite-tuff, which was successfully tested for wheat, barley, and rye, proved to be suitable for the adsorption of gluten originating from different kinds of crops. This result might form the basis for an expedient human study in the future.
... Important properties of natural zeolites include cation exchange, adsorption, dehydration-hydration, catalytic ability and diffusion capacity. Due to these properties, natural zeolites have been used successfully in animal nutrition and biotechnology to improve the health, safety and productivity of livestock animals and their products (Mumpton & Fishman, 1977;Pond & Mumpton, 1984;Elliot & Edwards, 1991;Papaioannou et al., 2005;Nadziakiewicza et al., 2019;Simona & Camelia, 2019;Mondal et al., 2021;Souza et al., 2023). Specifically, they prevent or reduce mycotoxin contamination in farm animals, decrease concentrations of ammonia and toxic heavy metals and improve immunity, general health and growth performance in animals of veterinary and biomedical importance (Karaca et al., 2004;Wu et al., 2013;Valpotic & Gracner, 2017). ...
Article
The zeolitic rocks of Akrotiri, on Santorini Island (Aegean Sea, Greece), can be grouped according to the zeolite minerals present. The first group includes zeolitic rocks that contain only clinoptilolite, the second group contains clinoptilolite and mordenite and the third group contains only mordenite. Clinoptilolite accounts for up to 56 wt.% and mordenite for up to 69 wt.% of the rocks. All samples contain feldspars (8–36 wt.%), clay minerals (6–8 wt.%), quartz (3–6 wt.%), opal-CT (2 wt.%), amphibole (2–4 wt.%) and amorphous materials (4–7 wt.%). The studied samples were classified chemically as andesites or dacites. The ammonium-exchange capacity of the studied samples was 104–158 meq 100 g –1 . According to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 651/2013, zeolitic rocks that contain ≥80 wt.% clinoptilolite, ≤20 wt.% clay minerals and are free of fibrous minerals and quartz can be used as feed additives in animal husbandry. Zeolites with fibrous habit (mordenite, erionite, secondarily roggianite and mazzite) and SiO 2 minerals such as quartz, cristobalite and tridymite can be dangerous to both humans and animals. The mineralogical study showed that, due to their low clinoptilolite content and the presence of both quartz and fibrous mordenite, the studied zeolitic rocks do not conform with European Regulation No. 651/2013. As a result, their use as feed additives and nutrition supplements is prohibited.
... In the same way that clay minerals can act as active ingredients on their own, zeolites, have been shown to possess certain therapeutic activities by themselves. The use of zeolites in veterinary medicine is one of the most widely known and studied uses of zeolites [43]. Nevertheless, this section is strictly dedicated to reviewing and discussing the use of zeolites as actives for human use according to their mineral's origin (natural or synthetic), which is of great importance due to the differential purity and richness. ...
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Development of new medicinal products for particular therapeutic treatment or for better manipulations with better quality and less side effects are possible as a result of advanced inorganic and organic materials application, among which zeolites, due to their properties and versatility, have been gaining attention. This paper is an overview of the development in the use of zeolite materials and their composites and modifications as medicinal products for several purposes such as active agents, carriers, for topical treatments, oral formulations, anticancer, the composition of theragnostic systems, vaccines, parenteral dosage forms, tissue engineering, etc. The objective of this review is to explore the main properties of zeolites and associate them with their drug interaction, mainly addressing the advances and studies related to the use of zeolites for different types of treatments due to their zeolite characteristics such as molecule storage capacity, physical and chemical stability, cation exchange capacity, and possibility of functionalization. The use of computational tools to predict the drug—zeolite interaction is also explored. As conclusion was possible to realize the possibilities and versatility of zeolite applications as being able to act in several aspects of medicinal products.
... Varias investigaciones destacan la eficacia de los nutracéuticos en disminuir los efectos adversos del PT (Lopreiato et al., 2020). La clinoptilolita (CLP), es una zeolita natural, aluminosilicato de origen volcánico, ampliamente estudiada en medicina humana y veterinaria, y está considerada dentro del grupo esencial de los nutraceúticos por su amplia gama de propiedades: antioxidante, inmunomodulador, potente intercambiador catiónico, y regulador del ecosistema ruminal (Pavelić et al., 2018;Simona, 2019 ). La suplementación de CLP en la dieta basal de vacas lecheras disminuyó el recuento de células somáticas (Ural, 2014), y el número de bacterias causantes de mastitis, así como el riesgo de infección intramamaria en comparación con el grupo de control (Đuričić et al., 2017; Đuričić et al., 2020). ...
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Archivos Latinoamericanos de Producción Animal, es la publicación oficial de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Producción Animal
... Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates with an infinite threedimensional crystal structure, containing cations of alkaline elements and alkaline soil elements or, less frequently, other cations (Andrzejewska et al., 2017;Franus and Wdowin, 2010). The most important pathways of zeolite use are: industrial application areas (petroleum refining, synfuel and petrochemical productions) (Bandura et al., 2015;Li et al., 2017); civil engineering (Franus, 2017;Mumpton, 1999;Querol et al., 2002); water and wastewater treatment (Collins et al., 2020;Yang et al., 2019;Zabochnicka-Światek and Malińska, 2010); ecology and environmental protection (Manjaiah et al., 2018;Szerement et al., 2021); remediation (Cadar et al., 2021); veterinary and medicine (Kraljević Pavelić et al., 2018;Simona and Camelia, 2019); agriculture (fertiliser efficiency, soil amendment, slow release of herbicides, heavy metal traps, water absorption, gas absorption, antifungal activity, photosynthesis enhancement in crops, heat stress and sunburn of zeolites in crops, aquaculture, animal feed additive) (Cataldo et al., 2021a;de Campos Bernardi et al., 2016;Mahesh et al., 2018;Nakhli et al., 2017;Polat et al., 2004;Reháková et al., 2004). Zeolites are widely used in catalytic processes, a new pathway is also the use of zeolite catalysis in many chemical conversions of biomass, where biomass components can be an alternative feedstock to replace crude oil (Ennaert et al., 2016). ...
Article
Zeolites are porous aluminosilicates with a crystalline structure that contain a system of interconnected chambers and channels. The geometrical parameters of zeolites are one of the most important characteristics responsible for their adsorption capacity. As a result, zeolites can not only serve as a sorbent for pollutants in the environment, but also as a reservoir of water and nutrients for plants (anions and cations). Due to their unique properties, zeolites have become more and more popular in recent years and find practical application in many branches of the economy. The study results to date prove that zeolites are safe for the environment and living organisms, and their multidirectional use in agriculture results primarily from their high porosity, sorption-ion-exchange capacity and well-developed specific surface area. A direct application of zeolites to soil not only has a beneficial effect on the soil sorption capacity, but also reduces soil acidification and increases the efficiency of nutrient use. Better utilisation of nutrients from fertilisers gives higher yields and reduces nutrient dispersion in the environment. Another advantage of zeolites is that they can be obtained by synthesis from various waste materials (e.g. ashes), making their production cost relatively low. This meets the principles of sustainable development and is part of the closed-loop economy and the retardation of environmental resources. Given that zeolites are the subject of many researches, the present study was prepared as a review of the current possibilities of using these materials in agriculture, mainly for the production of fertilisers.
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En las vacas lecheras un aspecto muy importante en el postparto es la salud uterina, frecuentemente alterada por la presencia de endometritis subclínica (ESC), y recuento de células somáticas (RCS) elevado, indicativo de mastitis subclínica. La presencia de ambas alteraciones acarrea un grave problema reproductivo, productivo y económico en los rodeos lecheros. El periodo de transición (PT) en las vacas lecheras influye sobre la salud, al interactuar con los sistemas endocrino, metabólico e inmunológico. En gran medida, los problemas de salud durante el PT se relacionan con la dificultad de las vacas lecheras para adaptarse a las necesidades de nutrientes para la lactancia. Los principales desafíos en los sistemas productivos pecuarios es reducir el excesivo e inadecuado uso de antibióticos, con el propósito de disminuir la resistencia bacteriana y mejorar la seguridad alimentaria. El objetivo es documentar tres estrategias de manejo para mitigar los efectos adversos del postparto temprano en la salud uterina y glándula mamaria de vacas lecheras al pastoreo del trópico alto ecuatoriano. Los resultados obtenidos indican que las estrategias de manejo implementadas contribuyeron a mitigar los efectos adversos del PT, reflejado en el restablecimiento de la salud uterina al comprobarse un menor porcentaje de leucocitos uterinos, menor proporción de vacas con ESC, reducción del intervalo parto concepción, mejores tasas de concepción al primer servicio y menor RCS. En conclusión, las estrategias de manejo contribuyeron a mitigar los efectos adversos originados por el PT en vacas lecheras criadas al pastoreo y pueden ser aplicadas rutinariamente en las fincas bovinas lecheras del Ecuador y otros países.
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The efficiency of natural zeolite to remove ammonium from artificial wastewater (ammonium aqueous solutions) and to treat second cheese whey was examined, aiming to recover nitrogen nutrients that can be used for further applications, such as slow-release fertilizers. Sorption experiments were performed using artificial wastewater and zeolite of different granulometries (i.e., 0.71–1.0, 1.8–2.0, 2.0–2.8, 2.8–4.0, and 4.0–5.0 mm). The granulometry of the zeolite had no significant effect on its ability to absorb ammonium. Nevertheless, smaller particles (0.71–1.0 mm) exhibited quicker NH4⁺-N adsorption rates of up to 93.0% in the first 10 min. Maximum ammonium removal efficiency by the zeolite was achieved at ammonium concentrations ranging from 10 to 80 mg/L. Kinetic experiments revealed that chemisorption is the mechanism behind the adsorption process of ammonium on zeolite, while the Freundlich isotherm model fitted the experimental data well. Column sorption experiments under batch operating mode were performed using artificial wastewater and second cheese whey. Column experiments with artificial wastewater showed high NH4⁺-N removal rates (over 96% in the first 120 min) for all granulometries and initial NH4⁺-N concentrations tested (200 and 5000 mg/L). Column experiments with second cheese whey revealed that natural zeolite can remove significant organic loads (up to 40%, 14.53 mg COD/g of zeolite) and NH4⁺-N (about 99%). For PO4³⁻-P, the zeolite appeared to saturate after day 1 of the experiments at a removal capacity of 0.15 mg P/g of zeolite. Desorption experiments with water resulted in low NH4⁺-N and PO4³⁻-P desorption rates indicating that the zeolite could be used as a substrate for slow nitrogen release in soils.
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Zeolites were added to polyethersulphone (PES) membranes in order to enhance their capability of attracting creatinine. Zeolite was blended with PES by varying its doping concentration and time, and the mechanical properties of the resulting hollow fibre membranes produced under optimal concentration were characterised. The values of tensile stress, tensile strain and Young’s modulus, as well as the flux and rejection of the membranes were determined. © Prelina B., Wardana J., Isyatir R.A., Syukriyah Z., Wafiroh S., Raharjo Y., Wathoniyyah M., Widati A., Fahmi M., 2018.
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Background: Following the ban on the use of growth factors, the use of zeolite in poultry feed could be a solution to obtain healthier food products that are more demanded by the consumer. Methods: Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) was added to turkey male and female feed at concentrations 1% or 2% and was evaluated for its effectiveness on performance of the production. The turkeys were given free and continuous access to a nutritionally non-limiting diet (in meal form) that was either a basal diet or a 'Zeolite supplemented-diet' (the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 1% or 2%). Results: It was found that adding zeolite in the turkey diet had a positive effect on growth performance and increased weight gain compared to the control. In addition, zeolite treatment had a positive effect on oxidative stress and organoleptic parameters that were measured. It was found that adding zeolite in the turkey diet reduced the MDA level in the liver and in the meat, as compared to the control. Quality of meat was measured as a significantly increase (p < 0.05) in pH for male meat, indicated that the zeolite could maintain the quality of longer period. The adding of zeolite in the turkey diet increased level of polyunsaturated fatty acid. Conclusion: This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for turkey, as part of a comprehensive program to improve growth performance and oxidative stress parameters and to increase level of polyunsaturated fatty acid on the turkey body.
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In recent years, the use of both natural and synthetic Zeolites in livestock feeds fed to lactating cows has increased, mainly to improve their performance, health, and to protect against mycotoxins intoxication. A compiled data of scientific literature was performed to analyze the effects of the incorporation of non-nutritional adsorbent Zeolite on production performance and ruminal environment parameters of lactating cows. At moderate levels (200-400 g/cow/day), milk yield was increased by Zeolite. Milk fat and protein contents and DMI were not altered and all ruminal parameters were improved: acetate was enhanced, propionate was reduced and consequently, acetate to propionate ratio was increased. The rumen pH was increased and rumen ammonia nitrogen was reduced. When the level of Zeolite exceeds 400 g/d/cow, all production and ruminal parameters were negatively altered. These data suggest that Zeolite level in the diet has a significant effect on the response of dairy production and ruminal environment characteristics.
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The fertilizer use in developing countries has shown a steady increase over the last few decades, and the use and manufacture of N fertilizers contributes to about 60% of the total release of reactive N. Higher farm subsidies and lower N fertilizer prices have further increased N inputs. Inappropriate fertilization patterns and excessive use of N fertilizer have resulted in considerable N losses through ammonia NH3 volatilization and NO2 leaching. This has meant that NUE has been as low as ~35%. An efficient crop nutrient management is important practice and thus, new designer or smart N fertilizers technologies are needed to support the increasing demand and avoid the low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The ammonia nitrogen volatilization and nitrate leaching can be reduced or prevented by the use of zeolite carrier material applications which have N in their framework and act as slow/controlled release fertilizers. These materials will reduce ammonia volatization and nitrate leaching and at the same time increase crop yield. Zeolites are also known for their water holding capacity and in drylands they are the most suitable fertilizers to prolong moisture levels in severe drought like conditions. In addition to macronutrients, micronutrients can also be introduced into zeolites which can supplement nutrient deficient soils. Thus, zeolites along with increasing yield can also increase the nutrient and water use efficiency of drylands.
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The objective of our study was to determine the effects of clinoptilolite supplemented in colostrum on the blood serum protein electrophoretic pattern of new-born calves. Methods: Romanian Black and White new-born calves involved in the study were divided into 3 groups: the control group (C) that received colostrum without clinoptilolite, and experimental groups I (E1) and II (E2) that received colostrum supplemented with 0.5% and 2% clinoptilolite, respectively. The concentration of total protein and protein fractions (albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin and γ-globulin) were analyzed by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate. Results: At hour 30 after birth, concentrations of γ-globulins, β-globulin and total protein in E1 group of calves were higher than in control group by 42.11% (p < 0.05), 28.48% (p > 0.05) and 18.52% (p > 0.05), respectively, and were higher, but not significantly, in group E2 compared to the control group. This was in accordance with a significant lower albumin/globulin ratio in groups E1 and E2 (29.35%, p < 0.05 and 35.87%, p < 0.05, respectively) than in control group at 30 h postpartum, which indicates an obvious increase of the globulins fraction in experimental groups. The conclusion: Clinoptilolite was effective in improving passive transfer in new-born calves, but it was more effective if added in colostrum with a dose of 0.5% than with a dose of 2%.
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The objective of our research was to determine the effects of colostrum supplementation with clinoptilolite on concentrations of serum proteins, minerals and enzyme activities in newborn calves. Twenty newborn calves that were divided into control group (n=10) which received colostrum and experimental group (n=10) that received colostrum with 0.5% clinoptilolite added in the first three colostrum meals were studied. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein in vacutainer tubes from all calves prior to colostrum intake and after that, at 24 and 48 h after birth. Samples were analyzed for total protein, albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, ß-globulin, γ-globulin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, gamma glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Clinoptilolite supplementation had significant effect (p<0.0006) on serum iron concentrations in experimental (27.64±3.78 µmol/l) vs control group (8.93±1.26 µmol/l) after 48h. GGT values were also significantly higher (p<0.04) in E (163.60±26.67 U/l) than in C group (84.01±19.77 U/l) at 48h after parturition. Other parameters analyzed were unaffected by clinoptilolite treatment. Obtained data revealed that colostrum supplemented with clinoptilolite had positive effects on some mineral parameters.
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International Science conference 4th - 5th June 2009, Stara Zagora, BULGARIA
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This study was conducted to determine the effects of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and clinoptilolite mixture on milk yield and some blood parameters related to metabolism in early lactation dairy cows. Twenty animals were selected from early lactation cows at 28 days in milk which were having similar milk yield and didn’t show any symptom of metabolic diseases through transition period up to 28 days in milk. These cows were randomly assigned to two groups: control and treatment. Blend (yeast 60%, clinoptilolite 40%) was orally administrated 50 g/day to all treatment cows shortly after the afternoon milking through 4 weeks. The same basal ration was provided for all cows. Blood samples were collected from all cows on 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49th days of lactation and analyzed for NEFA, BHBA, total cholesterol, total protein, BUN, glucose, AST, ALT, GGT. Yeast and clinoptilolite administration increased milk yield (p<0.01) and this increase accelerated by proceeded weeks. Moreover, NEFA (p<0.01) and ALT (p<0.01) was increased but other blood parameters did not change in this study (p>0.05). Oral administration of yeast and clinoptilolite to early lactating dairy cows increased the milk yield but it had no significant effect on serum metabolites.
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In the past two decades many substances of natural or synthetic origin were studied as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and some of them, particularly immunomodulators (IMs) and nutraceuticals (NCs), have shown to be capable of stimulating functions of the immune system and improving general health. At the same time, they were shown to be harmless for animals and the environment. Promising results have been obtained with natural clay minerals, zeolites among which clinoptilolite (CPL) is the best known as zootechnical and biomedical feed ingredient widely reported in scientific literature and used in farm animal nutrition. CPL has a potential to replace AGP due to its unique anti-bacterial properties, safety and efficacy as dietary supplement in food animals unifying potentials of an IM and NC. Currently, there are many reasons for CPL utilization in animal biotechnology and veterinary medicine because of its detoxificating, antioxidant, hemostatic, anti-diarrheic, growth-promoting and immunostimulating properties. Also, in human medicine it is an adjuvant in immunodeficiency states, oncology (after chemotherapy and radiotherapy) or reducer of radioactive elements. The aims of this review were to compile and discuss scientific data on safety and efficiency of nutritive modulation by dietary CPL (and other zeolites) as an alternative to AGP in animals of veterinary importance. In particular the aim is to analyse its potentials and limitations in cattle regarding metabolic and endocrine status, oxidative stress and systemic/local inflammatory responses involved in reproductive and metabolic disorders of dairy cows. Altogether, these analyses will contribute to objective validation of practical significance of CPL as a novel feed additive able to maintain and improve health, fertility and performance in cattle production. © 2017, Croatian Society of Natural Sciences. All rights reserved.