Studied Benefits in Sheep and Goats
Studies have evaluated its use in small ruminants
Urea-Based Diets
In lambs with urea replacing part of the soybean meal, 20 g of natural clinoptilolite increased intake and weight gain and reduced ruminal ammonia (Sallam et al., 2022)
Diarrhea in Lambs
With 1.5% or 3% in the starter feed for 6 weeks, newborn lambs had firmer feces and less severe diarrhea; gain only improved with 3% (Norouzian et al., 2010)
Minerals and Vitamins
In dairy goats with 2.5% clinoptilolite in the concentrate, serum minerals and fat-soluble vitamins did not change (Katsoulos et al., 2009)
Goat Milk
Higher fat content and lower somatic cell count in the milk of goats fed 2.5% clinoptilolite in the concentrate (Katsoulos et al., 2009)
Applications in Sheep and Goat Farming
Solutions for different production systems
Growing Lambs
Inclusion in the starter feed of lambs. With 1.5% or 3% clinoptilolite for 6 weeks, newborn lambs had firmer feces and less severe diarrhea; gain only improved with 3% (Norouzian et al., 2010).
Dairy Goats
Addition of 2.5% to the concentrate of dairy goats. Reduces somatic cell count and increases milk fat content (Katsoulos et al., 2009).
Meat Sheep
Inclusion in the diet of finishing sheep. In lambs with urea replacing part of the soybean meal, 20 g of natural clinoptilolite increased intake and weight gain and reduced ruminal ammonia (Sallam et al., 2022).
* Reference doses. They may be reviewed by qualified professionals, such as veterinarians, agronomists, animal scientists, chemists and food engineers, among others, since professional titles and qualifications vary between countries; local regulatory bodies may also set their own limits.
Technical Specifications for Sheep and Goats
| Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | 150-200 meq/100g |
| Mechanism of Action | Cation exchange + ammonium adsorption |
| Dosage Sheep (Adults) | 1.0-2.0% of the diet* |
| Dosage Goats (Adults) | 1.0-2.5% of diet* |
| Dosage Lambs/Kids | 0.5-1.5% of the diet* |
| Administration Method | Mixed into feed or mineral supplement |
| Minerals and Vitamins | No change in serum levels in goats fed 2.5% in the concentrate (Katsoulos et al., 2009) |
| Safety | Anticaking agent and adsorbent used as a feed additive — check local regulations |
* Reference doses. They may be reviewed by qualified professionals, such as veterinarians, agronomists, animal scientists, chemists and food engineers, among others, since professional titles and qualifications vary between countries; local regulatory bodies may also set their own limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Reference doses. They may be reviewed by qualified professionals, such as veterinarians, agronomists, animal scientists, chemists and food engineers, among others, since professional titles and qualifications vary between countries; local regulatory bodies may also set their own limits.