Studied Benefits in Swine Production
Studies have evaluated its use in nutrition and environmental control
Improved Feed Conversion
Better weight and feed conversion in some phases, with 2% in the feed (Papaioannou et al., 2004)
Weaning to Finishing
At 2% in feed, well tolerated with better feed conversion; combined with antimicrobials, it reduced the severity of post-weaning diarrhea (Papaioannou et al., 2004)
Less Ammonia in the Barn
With 1% and 2% clinoptilolite in the feed of finishing pigs, ammonia emitted in the barn fell from 1.79 to 1.62 and 1.34 kg per pig; no effect during manure storage (Dinuccio et al., 2022)
Herd Health Management
A management tool; does not replace antimicrobials (Papaioannou et al., 2004)
Weight Gain
With 2% clinoptilolite from weaning to slaughter, pigs gained more weight, with no change in minerals or blood count (Alexopoulos et al., 2007)
Swine Production Applications
Solutions for animal nutrition and environmental control
Additive for Weaned Piglets
Inclusion of 2.0-3.0% in the diet of recently weaned piglets (21-60 days). The zeolite adsorbs ammonia and toxins in the digestive tract, helping to reduce post-weaning diarrhea and support the intestinal microbiota. A management tool; does not replace antimicrobials (Papaioannou et al., 2004).
Additive for Growth and Finishing
Addition of 0.5-2.0% to the feed of growing and finishing pigs. Better weight and feed conversion in some phases, with 2% in the feed (Papaioannou et al., 2004). With 1% and 2% in the feed of finishing pigs, ammonia emitted in the barn fell by up to 25% (Dinuccio et al., 2022).
Environmental Control in Facilities
Application of the powder on bedding and floors of pig facilities to retain ammonium by cation exchange. We found no studies with the powder on pig bedding; in broilers, powder on the litter reduced moisture and ammonia (Schneider et al., 2016). In pigs, the documented reduction in barn ammonia was via feed (Dinuccio 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 Swine Production
| Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | 150-200 meq/100g |
| Mechanism of Action (Feed Additive) | Intestinal ammonia adsorption + microbiota improvement |
| Mechanism of Action (Environmental) | Ammonia adsorption in waste and facilities |
| Diet Dosage (Piglets) | 2.0-3.0% of diet* |
| Diet Dosage (Growth/Finishing) | 0.5-2.0% of the diet* |
| Environmental Dosage (Bedding) | 2-5 kg/m² of bedding* |
| 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.