Effects of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on passive immunity and diarrhea in newborn Holstein calves

In the present study, the effects of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on absorption of immunoglobulins from colostrum and incidence of enteric diseases were evaluated. In a completely randomised design, thirty Holstein calves were fed pooled colostrum and then milk containing zero (control), 0.5 (T1), 1.0 (T2), 1.5 (T3) and 2.0 (T4) g clinoptilolite per kg body weight per day through day 45. Blood was collected after birth and at 24 h of age and plasma IgG and IgM concentrations were determined. Fecal consistency score and severity of diarrhea were recorded for each calf twice daily. Calves receiving T3 and T4 had lower (P < 0.05) plasma IgG concentration than control and other treatments. Calves on T2 had higher (P < 0.05) plasma IgG concentration than T3 and T4, but not T1 and control. Inclusion of clinoptilolite to colostrum did not affect (P > 0.05) IgM absorption from the intestine of newborn calves. Fecal consistency scores were lower (P < 0.05) for calves on T1 and T2 and higher for calves on T3 and T4 than calves on control. Percent calf days with diarrhea followed the same trend. In overall, seven calves died, those being one each on control and T1, two on T3 and three on T4. Based upon these results, addition of 1.0 g clinoptilolite per kg body weight per day to colostrum and milk could reduce diarrhea, but its effect on passive immunity was negligible. Over 1.0 g/kg body weight per day, clinoptilolite had adverse effect on passive immunity and diarrhea.