Clinoptilolite Supplementation Research Articles

Effect of long-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on performance and selected serum biochemical values in dairy goats

To determine the effect of dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on health and production as well as serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins, macroelements and trace elements, and activities of hepatic enzymes in dairy goats. 72 Saanen-cross dairy goats. Goats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The clinoptilolite group (n = 36) received concentrate feed, of which 2.5% contained clinoptilolite; the control group (36) received unsupplemented feed. The experiment began 8 weeks before parturition and continued to the beginning of the next nonlactating period (280 days of lactation). At the day of parturition, kids were weighed. Milk yields were recorded at day 60 of lactation and thereafter at monthly intervals. Milk percentages of fat, protein, and lactose and somatic cell count (SCC) were evaluated at the same points. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the experiment, the day of parturition, and thereafter at monthly intervals to measure serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins, macroelements and trace elements, and activities of hepatic enzymes. Birth weights of triplets and quadruplets were significantly higher in clinoptilolite-treated goats versus control goats. Milk fat percentage was significantly higher and SCC was significantly lower in clinoptilolite-treated goats, compared with respective values in control goats. However, no changes in serum concentrations of any variable were detected. In the context of this experiment, clinoptilolite supplementation of concentrate feed at 2.5% improved milk fat percentage in dairy goats, without adverse effects on the serum variables evaluated. Furthermore, the reduction of SCC achieved with clinoptilolite supplementation provided some evidence of improved milk hygiene.

Effects of Short-term Supplementation of Clinoptilolite in Colostrum and Milk on the Concentration of Some Serum Minerals in Neonatal Dairy Calves

In recent years, the use of both natural and synthetic zeolites in animal nutrition has increased mainly to improve their performance, health, and to protect against mycotoxin intoxication. Thirty calves were used in the present study for the determination of some physiologic effects of clinoptilolite supplementation. The animals were divided equally into three groups (control, test 1, and test 2). The three groups of calves were homogeneous for parity of dams, sex, and month of birth. For group test 1, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% of each colostrum meal was added for 48 h, and for group test 2, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% was added to each colostrum and milk meal for 14 days. Blood samples were taken from all calves 12 h after birth and at the end of the first, second, third, forth, fifth, and sixth weeks of life. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) were determined in the serum. For statistical analysis of data, a repeated measures approach using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with mixed linear models was used. Clinoptilolite supplementation had significant effect on the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron. The concentrations of Fe significantly higher in test group 2 than other trial groups (p < 0.05). Calcium concentrations were significantly higher in serum of clinoptilolite-treated than control calves (p < 0.05). The concentrations of phosphorus were significantly lower in test groups than control group (p < 0.05). Sodium concentrations were significantly higher in clinoptilolite-supplemented groups than control calves (p < 0.05). Potassium and magnesium concentrations were not affected by clinoptilolite supplementation. Clinoptilolite supplementation could promote iron levels in serum and better hemopoiesis and prevent pathologic or physiologic drop of red blood cell (RBC) parameters in supplemented calves during a first few weeks of life. According to higher need and utilization of Ca in growing animals, clinoptilolite supplementation could increase available Ca. Based on the results of the present study and the importance of dietary phosphorus in many physiologic processes, the level of phosphorus in diet of neonatal dairy calves must be considered and adapted when clinoptilolite was supplemented. With an adequate supply of good quality drinking water, cattle can tolerate large quantities of dietary sodium chloride. Thus, it seems that significant increase in serum Na concentration during short-term supplementation of clinoptilolite in neonatal calves could be well tolerated without any adverse effects.

Effects of short-term supplementation of clinoptilolite in colostrum and milk on hematology, serum proteins, performance, and health in neonatal dairy calves

In recent years, the use of both natural and synthetic zeolites in animal nutrition has increased, mainly to improve their performance, health, and to protect against mycotoxins intoxication. Thirty calves were used in the present study for the determination of the effects of clinoptilolite supplementation on hematology, serum proteins, performance, and health. The animals were divided equally into three groups (control, test 1 and test 2). The three groups of calves were homogeneous for parity of dams, sex, and month of birth. For test 1 group, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% of each colostrum meal was added for 48h and for test 2 group, clinoptilolite in the concentration of 2% was added to each colostrum and milk meal for 14 days. Blood samples were taken from all calves 12h after birth and at the end of the first, second, third, forth, fifth and sixth weeks of life (end of the experiment: 42 days of life) and analyzed for hematology, plasma fibrinogen and for total protein, albumin, beta and gamma globulin measurement. Performance and health of calves were also recorded during the experiment. For statistical analysis of data a repeated measures approach using ANOVA with Mixed linear models, and χ-test was used. Clinoptilolite supplementation had significant effect on the values of hematocrit (HCT), red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), monocyte (Mono), and albumin (Alb). The values of most above parameters were significantly higher in test group 2, except MCV that was significantly lower in test group 1 than other trial groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen for other measured parameters, performance, and health between trial groups.

Effects of long-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on incidence of parturient paresis and serum concentrations of total calcium, phosphate, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in dairy cows

To determine whether dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite affects the incidence of parturient paresis and serum concentrations of total calcium (tCa), inorganic phosphorus (PO(4) (2)), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+) in dairy cattle. 52 dairy cows. Procedure-Cows were placed into 3 groups. The first 2 groups (group A [n = 17] and group B [17]) were offered a concentrate supplemented with 1.25% and 2.5% clinoptilolite, respectively. The third (group C [n = 18]) served as a control and was offered the concentrate alone. The experiment started 1 month before parturition and lasted until the beginning of the next nonlactating period. Around the time of calving, all cows were monitored for the development of parturient paresis. Blood samples were taken at the commencement of the experiment, on the day of calving, and thereafter at monthly intervals to measure serum tCa, PO(4) (2), Mg2+, K+, and Na+ concentrations. Results-The incidence of parturient paresis in group B cows was significantly lower, compared with group C cows. However, serum concentrations of tCa, P(O4) (2), Mg2+, K+, and Na+ were not significantly affected by long-term supplementation with clinoptilolite. In the context of this experiment, clinoptilolite supplementation at 2.5% appeared to have reduced the incidence of parturient paresis in dairy cows, suggesting that its effectiveness depends on the amount incorporated in the ration of cows. Addition of clinoptilolite in the concentrate of dairy cows during the nonlactating period could be used as a cost-effective preventive treatment for parturient paresis.

Effects of long term feeding dairy cows on a diet supplemented with clinoptilolite on certain haematological parameters

The effect of the dietary inclusion of clinoptilolite on the haematological parameters of dairy cows has not been studied yet; however in mice, prolonged zeolite administration causes disturbances in the adaptation of erythropoiesis in periods of increased demands. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the long term supplementation of two levels (1.25 and 2.5%) of clinoptilolite in the concentrate feed of dairy cows has any effect on their haematological parameters. Fifty-two clinically healthy Holsteincows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (group A, n = 17) was offered a concentrate feed supplemented with 1.25% clinoptilolite. The second group (group B, n = 17) was offered a concentrate feed supplemented with 2.5% clinoptilolite. The third group (group C, n = 18), which served as control, was offered the same concentrate feed without clinoptilolite supplementation. The experiment started 30 days before the expected parturition and lasted up to the end of lactation. Blood samples from individual animals were collected just before the start of experiment, at the day of calving and, thereafter, at monthly intervals. All samples were tested for packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and leukocyte count (WBC) values. The results showed that the 1.25 and 2.5% supplementation of clinoptilolite had no adverse effect on the haematological parameters tested.

Effects on Blood Concentrations of Certain Serum Fat-soluble Vitamins of Long-term Feeding of Dairy Cows on a Diet Supplemented with Clinoptilolite

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) supplementation in the ration of dairy cows on serum beta-carotene, vitamins A and E concentrations. Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (group A, n = 17), was offered a concentrate feed supplemented with 1.25% clinoptilolite. The second group (group B, n = 17), was offered a concentrate feed supplemented with 2.5% clinoptilolite. The third group (group C, n = 18), which served as controls, was offered the same concentrate feed without clinoptilolite supplementation. All cows were fed the above concentrates continuously starting 30 days before the expected parturition up to the end of lactation. Blood samples from individual animals were collected just before the start of experiment, at the day of calving and, thereafter, at monthly intervals. All samples were tested for serum beta-carotene, vitamins A and E concentrations. The results showed that the 1.25 and 2.5% supplementation of clinoptilolite had no adverse effect on serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamins A and E.

Effects of Long-Term Feeding Dairy Cows on a Diet Supplemented with Clinoptilolite on Certain Serum Trace Elements

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) supplementation in the ration of dairy cows on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations. Fifty-two clinically healthy Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to their age and parity. The first group (group A) comprised 17 cows fed a ration supplemented with 1.25% clinoptilolite, the second group (group B) comprised also 17 cows was given a ration with 2.5% clinoptilolite, and the third group (group C, the control), comprised 18 cows fed the basal ration that did not contain any clinoptilolite. The experiment started when the cows entered the fourth week before the expected parturition and lasted until the end of lactation. All cows were fed the above concentrates during the entire experimental period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the starting day of the experiment, at the day of calving, and at monthly intervals thereafter. All samples were tested for serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The results showed that the 1.25 and 2.5% supplementation of clinoptilolite did not have any adverse effects on serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe.

Production performance of dairy cows after the dietary addition of clinoptilolite

Clays are frequently proposed for the addition to dairy cattle diets to reduce the transfer of mycotoxins in milk. This study examined the effect of the addition of Clinoptilolite to the diet of lactating dairy cows on milk production and milk composition. Thirty-two lactating Holstein cows (average lactation length: 142 d) were blocked according to milk production, parity, and days of lactation for assignment to one of two dietary treatments: control diet; control diet + Clinoptilolite, 200g/d. The control diet was based on corn and alfalfa silages, hay and concentrates, and did not contain aflatoxins above the safe level. The experimental period lasted 76 days. The Clinoptilolite supplementation did not affect milk yield and milk composition other than urea contents. The urea level in milk was negatively affected by Clinoptilolite addition (control group 29.7 mg/100 ml vs Clinoptilolite group 31.3 mg/100ml). The dietary addition of Clinoptilolite did not change pH, ammonia content and VFA molar percentages in the rumen. No dietary effect on mineral contents of blood plasma (Na, K, Zn, and Ca) was observed. In case of clinoptilolite use in dairy cattle feeding, scarce negative effect on milk production and quality are expected.