Zeolite in pig diet : effect on growth performance and air quality

Zeolite (77% clinoptilolite) was supplemented in grower hog rations at a rate of 2 or 5%. The growth performance (weight gain, daily consumption and feed conversion) and air quality were compared against a control group's where zeolite was replaced by fine sand. A significant reduction in the feed/gain ratio and daily consumption was observed when 2% zeolite was fed to pigs weighing less than 40 kg. The same results were obtained when 5% zeolite was fed to pigs weighing more thoun 50 kg. No significant difference in air quality (CO 2, NH3, H2S and temperature) was noticed between the control and the zeolite room even if the NH3, level fell from 12.5 to 8.7 ppm when the zeolite level was increased from 2 to 5%. A slight reduction of odor intensity was observed in the zeolite room. In parallel with this research, a dynamic automated olfactometer for six lists was conceived and built according to American and European guidelines. This instrument measures agricultural odors with precision and speed