Sodium Bentonite in Ruminant Rations

Sodium bentonite, an expanding clay, is being used in many different ways in industry today.The livestock and feed industry, for example, use it in many different ways.It is used as a pellet binder to maintain a fat test in dairy animals, as a digestive aid in the poultry industry and as a “buffering agent” in feedlot rations. A two-pronged investigation was undertaken to determine the effect sodium bentonite could have on the ruminant feeding industry.One part of the investigation sought to determine if bentonite could partially or entirely alleviate subclinical lactic acidosis with problem rations.The other part of the investigation involved the effect of bentonite on NPN and natural protein utilization. The literature cited in this piece has shown inconclusive results in several in vitro and in vivo trials which used sodium bentonite in some manner.The role that sodium bentonite will play in the future of the livestock industry is uncertain.Therefore, this thesis seeks to clarify the role of sodium bentonite in ruminant rations. Advisor:Robert A. Britto