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Chapter
Zeolites Applications in Veterinary
Medicine
MarcSimona and TulcanCamelia
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
[17–28] 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 (2g/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 150ppm 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 (25,423μg/g in 625μmol/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 (550μg/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 (1kg zeolite/day for
4weeks before calving) did not experience subclinical hypocalcemia [39]. Also, the
administration of zeolite A (sodium aluminosilicate) to pregnant cows during the
dry period (1.4kg zeolite A/day in the last 2weeks 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 110mg/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
etal. revealed that long-term clinoptilolite administration (from 4weeks 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 (30days) 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.
20g/kg clinoptilolite in feed
contaminated with 1mg/kg
aflatoxins for 42days
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 2.5mg/kg
aflatoxin B1 from 21 to 42days 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 2ppm aflatoxin
from day 1 to 7weeks 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 2ppm T-2
toxin for 21days
“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 2.5ppm aflatoxin
B1 for 4weeks
Laying
hens
N=96
The livers of hens showed very low
mycotoxin concentrations
[49]
0.2% Min-a-Zel Plus in feed
contaminated with 3mg/kg
zearalenone for 14days
Piglets
N=20
Agonistic effect due to oestrogen
reduction
[22]
0.2% organozeolite
0.5% organozeolite in feed
contaminated with 8.3mg ZEN/kg
for 53days
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]
200g clinoptilolite/animal/day for
7day
Dairy
cattle
N=15
farms
Significantly reduced aflatoxin M1in
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 5.18Å and aflatoxins G1 and G2 are
6.50Å). Clinoptilolite has the highest in vitro adsorption, over 80% for aflatoxins B1
and G2 [44], with effects demonstrated especially in the poultry industry [45–49],
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 28days, 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 24h 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 etal. showed that administration of tribomechani-
cally-activated clinoptilolite (12.5%) alone or together with Urtica dioica extract in
mice per os for 3weeks 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 5weeks, 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 30h 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 30h 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 34days (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 10μm 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 (20ml 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 28days (not in neonatal period) in
comparison with the control group where all calves had diarrhea in the first 11days
of life. The other parameter, growth performance measured on day 0, 45 and 90
revealed that during the first 45days 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 45days may be
explained by the high number of calves from the control group suffering from health
problems and this affected the daily gain. At 90days, the difference between groups
was not significant (p<0.1035) (E2/C=+7.19%) [69, 70]. Similar results were
obtained by Step etal. 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 30h postpartum) [67].
Zeolites - New Challenges
recently, Ural etal. observed increased total weight and mean daily gain in calves
that receive clinoptilolite (1 or 2g/kg) in colostrum at calving, 12 and 24h [71].
In another study, the addition of 0.5g and 1g/kg body weight per day in colos-
trum and milk for 45days 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 12weeks
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 5g/l (group E1) and 20g/l (group
E2) at parturition, and 12 and 24h postpartum, we observed that clinoptilolite
supplementation increased serum Ca (with 37.34% in group E1, with 21.42% in
group E2in comparison with the control group and with 13.11% in E1/E2 at 30h
postpartum), P (with 37.34% in group E1, with 21.42% in group E2in comparison
with the control group and with 13.11% in E1/E2 at 30h postpartum), Mg concen-
tration (increased in groups E1in comparison with the control group (p<0.003)
and E2 (p<0.009) at 30h 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 30h postpartum) [64].
When analyzing the same parameters in other breed (Holstein) and other
colostrum quantity (3L), we observed that the most significant effect (p<0.0006)
was on serum iron concentrations in experimental (27.64±3.78μmol/l) vs. control
group (8.93±1.26μmol/l) and it did not have negative effects on other biochemical
parameters (Ca, P, Mg, GGT, ALAT, ASAT, ALP) after 48h 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 2–3days of postnatal
life [78, 79]. This feature could be important in preventing iron deficiency anemia
(Fe<14.32μmol/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 48h 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
(20g/L clinoptilolite) at 6h after birth (E2/C: +64.83%, p<0.05) and in group E1
(5g/L clinoptilolite) at 16h 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 30h 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
(5g/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 30h 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
MarcSimona*† and TulcanCamelia†
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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