"Z-MIN AF"

Z-Min (AF) is a specially formulated extra high grade (more than 80% purity) natural clinoptilolite (Hydrated Calcium-Sodim Aluminosilicate, or HCAS). It's unique physical and chemical properties, such as high absorption capability and ion-exchange capacity (C.E.C. of up to 180 meq/100g), as well as high content of available micro-elements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, etc.) make it a valuable mineral feed additive and toxin binder for all kinds of domestic animals.

Laboratory tests and field trials conducted in many countries of the world including Thailand have clearly demonstrated the following benefits of this natural mineral:

• Binds Alpha-toxin;
• Absorbs ammonia, other toxic substances including heavy metals in the digestive tract;
• Reduces stress during hot season;
• Acts as catalyst of digestive ferments;
• Improves protein intake and nutrient utilization;
• Provides additional microelements (Ca, K, Na, P, Zn, etc.);
• Prevents and cures diarrhea;
• Increases egg shell hardness in poultry;
• Significantly reduces harmful odour and moisture in farm-houses;
• Eliminates foot pad burns (Phosphorous burns) in poultry houses;
• Improves anti-caking properties and shelf life of feed.

In addition to the above Z-Min (AF) has also demonstrated a positive effect on the health of domestic animals through:

Activation of intestine flora. Z-Min (AF) activates natural intestine flora by its ability to bind excessive ammonium and to promote the growth of intestine bacteria. Thus, it promotes disintegration of fodder remnants which are mainly from raw fiber. As a result, animal's body relieves from many harmful substances.

Protection from poisonous substances. Z-Min (AF) inhibits the penetration of ammonia into the blood circuit which results in nervous poison. Thus, it reduces stress factor. Because of better digestion of raw fiber, decay is reduced together with the formation of poisonous substances that make blood circulation more difficult, reduce appetite of animals and make them more susceptible to disease.

Liver unloading. Liver plays an important role in treating of poisonous substances which are formed in intestines. Z-Min (AF) localizes these substances on the spot thus reducing pressure on the liver making it easier to function.

Protection from viruses. If intestine flora is well developed then the immune system and consequently the resistance of the animal to infectious diseases is greatly improved, which results in lower mortality rates.

All of the above positive effects of Z-Min (AF) clinoptilolite provide for increased weight gain (8-15%), reduced mortality (2,5-17%), improved feed conversion by 8-14% and other economic benefits such as reduced cost of medical expenses in most types of domestic animals.

High Grade Clinoptilolite (such as Z-Min (AF) is also Approved for organic farming Under European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 651/2013 of 9th July 2013, amending Regulation (EC) No. 1810/2005.

For more detailed information see the appropriate research documents.

The benefits of introducing high-grade natural Clinoptilolite (min 60% purity) into feed rations of poultry (both broilers and layers) or as farmhouse litter come from its ability to absorb toxic elements, especially ammonia, heavy metals and Alpha-toxins. It also serves as catalyst of digestive ferments leading to better feed conversion and nutrient utilization. Experiments have shown that poultry fed rations supplemented with Clinoptilolite have tested for 15-30% reduction of ammonia in the paunch while increasing the intake of active nitrogen by 6.1%, digestion of protein by 5-11%, fats – 6-10%, carbohydrates – 2-6%.

Due to its ion-exchange characteristics Clinoptilolite releases available Ca, Mg, K, Na cations in exchange for ammonia, enhancing the nutrient value of the feed. Examination of the meat quality of tested animals shows an increase of these elements as compared to the control group (Ca-8%; K-4%; Mg-2%).

Clinoptilolite is classified as a non-toxic, non-controlled mineral and is therefore absolutely harmless to the animals.

Scientific research and field tests conducted in many countries (including Thailand) show that:

1. The addition of natural Clinoptilolite (powder or 0.1 – 2mm particle size) into feed rations of poultry:
- increases growth rate by 5-10%;
- increases survival rate by 1-2%;
- improves feed conversion by 5-8%;
- increases egg-laying capacity by 3-5%;
- reduces stress during hot season;
- prevents and cures diarrhea;
- increases hardness of egg-shells.

Application rate: 2-3% w/w for broilers, 3-5% w/w for layers

2. Addition of Clinoptilolite to farmhouse litter (powder or grit):
- significantly reduces harmful ammonia odour and moisture;
- prevents (phosphorous) foot pad burns;
- increases fertilizer value of manure.

Application rate: 200-500g per 1m²

3. Benefits for the feed:
- binds Alpha-toxin;
- serves as anti-caking agent;
- prevents ammonia build-up for longer shelf life.

The benefits of introducing high-grade natural Clinoptilolite (min 60% purity), such as "Z-Min (AF)" into feed rations of swine (both sows and fattening pigs) come from its ability to absorb toxic elements, especially ammonia, heavy metals and Alpha-toxins. It also serves as catalyst of digestive ferments leading to better feed conversion and nutrient utilization. Experiments have shown that swine fed rations supplemented with Clinoptilolite have tested for 15-30% reduction of ammonia in the digestive tract while increasing the intake of active nitrogen, improving digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates.

Due to its high ion-exchange characteristics "Z-Min (AF)" Clinoptilolite releases available Ca, Mg, K, Na cations in exchange for ammonia, enhancing the nutrient value of the feed. Examination of the meat quality of tested animals shows an increase of these elements as compared to the control group.

Supplementation of "Z-Min (AF)" into diets of fattening pigs also leads to a substantial reduction in cases of diarrhoea and other diseases, which brings about substantial savings of medical expenses.

The deodorizing effect of "Z-Min (AF)" also creates a more favourable environment in swine farms.

"Z-Min (AF)" Clinoptilolite is classified as a non-toxic, non-controlled mineral (GRAS) and is therefore absolutely harmless to the animals.

Application rate:
- 2-3% (of dry feed) or 3g per 1kg of animal weight for fattening pigs;
- 3-5% (of dry feed) or 2-2.5g per 1kg of animal weight for sows.

Dietary inclusion of "Z-Min (AF)" clinoptilolite in dairy cow rations

• Improves growth rate by up to 20%;
• Increases average milk yield of dairy cows by 3-5%;
• Improves Dry Matter Intake (DMI) for cows, especially when fed diets that are low in effective fiber or diets that contain corn silage as the primary source of forage;
• Increases Milk Fat Content (MFC), especially with rations based on corn silage or low-fiber diets;
• Stabilizes rumen pH at an optimal range, offering a more suitable environment for microbial growth;
• Improves the energy status of the dairy cattle, especially in early lactation;
• Improve nitrogen utilization;
• Reduces concentration of rumen ammonia (NH3).

Application rate: 2% of feed dry matter, or 250-300g per day per cow

Natural high-grade clinoptilolite has been approved as an additive in farm animal feeds by the European Committee at the inclusion rate of 2% of dry matter (European Commission Regulation, 2005)