Statement Zeolites as ammonia-reducing measure in animal husbandry

Research report 2022-2024

Zeolites, volcanic minerals that can adsorb ammonia among other things, are viewed by many livestock farmers as an accessible technique for reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions. It is a low-threshold measure that is easy to apply to different animal categories and does not require expensive investments. Moreover, livestock farmers also see potential benefits for animal health and manure and soil quality. The renewed attention from the agricultural media reinforced the demand for further research. Therefore, together with Boerenbond, it was decided to open a research project on zeolites, with a focus on the use as a litter additive in bedding stables of beef cattle. During the study, other animal species (pigs, goats) and manure types (slurry) were also involved, and the composition of different zeolite products and their effectiveness were explored in more detail.

The research questions in this study focused on the effectiveness of zeolites to reduce ammonia emissions from cattle manure, the differences in reduction potential between commercial zeolite products, and the applicability of zeolites in other manure types and animal species. Finally, the study examined whether the most promising zeolite product could also reduce ammonia emissions under field conditions in cattle and swine. These results were used to evaluate the practical and economic feasibility of zeolites as an emission-reducing measure in cattle and pig farming.

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Zeolieten als ammoniakreducerende maatregel in de veehouderij