Inclusion of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) in finishing ration of feedlot beef cattle
Date
2022
Authors
Lente, Leeroy A., author
Archibeque, Shawn L., advisor
Dillon, Jasmine, committee member
Garry, Franklyn B., committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
To assess the effects of Zeolite (ZE, clinoptilolite) inclusion on in vitro rumen fermentation. A modified procedure from Tilley and Terry (1963) was used to determine alfalfa in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in the presence or absence of ZE. Test tubes (n=96) were placed in a 39 °C bath and were blocked based on hours 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48. Substrate consisted of dried alfalfa grinded through a 1mm screen using a Wily Mill. Treatments consisted of, Control (no ZEl inclusion), and 0.05g ZE, for each 1 gram of alfalfa. After incubation, IVDMD was calculated 24 hours after drying period. Data was analyzed using a randomized block design. The IVDMD was found to be similar across all treatments (P > 0.8464). The IVDMD was significantly different when incubated for the varying lengths of time (P < 0.001). There was an IVDMD of 20.18 ± 2.89 % for the control and 18.07 ± 5.49 % for the ZE at the zero hour. The IVDMD for Control and ZE for 48 hours were 54.30 ± 1.58 % and 53. 48 ± 1.04 % respectively. To predict the IVDMD of the effects of ZE treatment on digestibility over time, the corresponding regression f(x) = 20.60 + 0.421X1 + 0.730X2 with R2 = 0.8464. In conclusion these data demonstrate that inclusion of ZE, does not influence the in vitro digestibility of alfalfa. These data indicate that there is likely very little to no impact on feed digestibility when ZE is included in the ration. To assess the effect of ammonia volatilization from manure, ten Holstein calves were selected and placed in calf hutches to evaluate the effects of zeolite efficacy in reducing ammonia volatilization. Calf hutch was the experimental unit with two treatments being used: 1) Test (n=5) with bedding consisting of zeolite and wood shavings and 2) Control (n=5) with bedding consisting of wood shavings only. Significance was determined using a welch two sample T test with significance being determined at P ≤ 0.05. Prior to calves being placed in calf hutches, bedding was weighed (~ 55.5 lbs./calf hutch) and zeolite was added to test treatment at 5% of bedding weight. Calves were kept in calf hutches for 105 days. Bedding was added (48.2 lbs./calf hutch) 4 times during the experiment after each weather event or if bedding needed to be added as recommended by dairy workers. At the end of the experiment, calves were removed, and all bedding was stripped, weighed (Test: 334.3 lbs/calf hutch, Control: 289.4 lbs/calf hutch) and sub samples were collected. Sub samples were freeze dried at -65 °C util two identical consecutive weights were obtained. Samples were then homogenized and finely ground using a Thomas-Wiley laboratory mill with a 1mm screen. Sample analysis was done by SDK laboratories (Hutchinson, KS 67501) and consisted of total protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and ash. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in concentrations of nitrogen (p = 0.0560), ADF (p = 0.4366), NDF (p = 0.1826), Ash (p = 0.7758), or DM (p = 0.6508). To evaluate the effects of zeolite (clinoptilolite) inclusion on feedlot performance, 320 steers were fed a high concentrate, steam flake corn-based finishing ration for 146d. It is hypothesized that the addition of zeolites to a high concentrate ration in a dose dependent fashion may serve as a buffering agent aiding in the improvement of feedlot performance. Cross bred steers (n = 320, initial BW 401 ± 41kg) were evenly distributed in a randomized block design with 4 treatments of zeolite (0, 0.5, 1, and 2% diet DM). Steers were blocked by weight and assigned to one of the 4 treatments which consisted of 8 pens per treatment with 10 hd per pen. Pen was the experimental unit. Steers were individually weighed on days 0, 21, 49, 77, 105, 138 and 167. Initial pen BW was used as a covariant in the statistical analysis with significance being determined at P ≤ 0.05 and tendency level determined at P ≤ 0.10. The final BW (P ≥ 0.81), total average daily gain (P = 0.76) and feed efficiency (P > 0.68) were found to be similar across treatments. Total dry matter intake was decreased for animals that were fed zeolite at 1% of diet DM (P < 0.01). There was no difference (P = 0.40) in mortality and morbidity between treatments. Liver abscess rate was found to be independent (P = 0.54) of treatment. These data indicate that under the conditions of this experiment the addition of zeolite to steam flaked corn-based finishing diets does not impact final body weight, ADG or feed efficiency but decreases DMI of feedlot cattle when zeolites are added to the diet at 1% of diet DM.