August 15, 2007

EU food agency says zeolite reduces milk fever in cows

The European Food Safety Authority through its Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) said zeolite (sodium aluminosilicate, synthetic) can reduce the risk of milk fever in dairy cows.

Recent data confirm this conclusion, particularly for older cows with three or more calvings, according to FEEDAP.

Zeolite gradually prevents the decrease in serum calcium occurring after calving. Although only 500 grams (g) per day Zeolite was shown to significantly reduce milk fever incidence, a dose range of 250 to 500 g per day (approximately 25 to 50 grams per kilogramme complete feed) may be realistic under field conditions.

The use of doses higher than 500 g of Zeolite leads to a dramatic depression of feed intake. Even the effective dose reduces feed intake and induces hypophosphataemia but these effects are considered temporary.

Zeolite may reduce serum but this is without physiological significance as serum levels of copper and zinc as well as milk yield and composition are not affected by the mineral's treatment.

The following is FEEDAP's conclusion on zeolite:

• The observed side effects after a two-week treatment with Zeolite do not have long lasting consequences on health of dry cows, that
   
• Aluminum from Zeolite does not lead to any safety concern for the dairy cow provided that the appropriate use level and duration are followed, and that
   
• Zeolite treatment of the dry cow does not result in adverse effect in calves.
   
• Milk aluminum concentration was not affected by the use of Zeolite, but serum aluminum significantly increased.
   
• Considering the range of aluminum found in commercial milk samples, treatment of dry cows with Zeolite will not measurably increase consumer exposure to aluminum.
   
• The use of Zeolite to reduce the risk of milk fever does not pose a risk for the environment.