What is Feed-Grade Bentonite?
Feed-grade bentonite (bentonite for livestock and poultry feed), with the chemical formula (Na, CaO)(Al, Mg)(Si₄O₁₀)₃(OH)₆·nH₂O, is a multifaceted clay mineral with colloidal properties. Both calcium bentonite and sodium bentonite are suitable for use in livestock and poultry feed. Due to its lower cost compared to other common feed additives and its numerous beneficial properties, the use of bentonite in animal, poultry, and aquaculture diets is rapidly expanding. (Although bentonite is also used in human nutrition, the type used for human consumption differs from feed-grade bentonite.)
Bentonite is typically used in feed formulation or as a toxin binder in feed storage silos for livestock and poultry.
Major Roles of Bentonite in Livestock and Poultry Feed
Bentonite acts primarily as an antimicrobial and disinfectant agent in animal feed and within the digestive tract. Additionally, due to its rich content of trace minerals, it contributes to growth performance and weight gain in herds and flocks. It is commonly used in cattle and sheep feeding systems, as well as in poultry diets, where it also serves to keep the litter dry and clean.
Among the key benefits of bentonite in animal and poultry feed are its ability to bind and eliminate heavy metals and mycotoxins produced in the feed. Due to its high water and liquid absorption capacity, it helps maintain dry bedding in poultry houses, thereby reducing microbial contamination. Bentonite forms insoluble complexes that prevent aflatoxins from being absorbed through the digestive tract of livestock and poultry.
Because of its binding properties, bentonite is also used in pelleted feed production. Moreover, its low cost helps reduce the overall feed production expenses.
These characteristics, along with its other applications discussed below, have made feed-grade bentonite one of the most widely used feed additives for animals such as cattle, sheep, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and other livestock and poultry species.
General Applications of Bentonite
Before discussing its specific uses, it is interesting to note that the use of bentonite dates back to around 5000 BC, when early humans used it to wash fabrics and thicken woolen textiles.
Applications include:
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Livestock and poultry feed
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Paper manufacturing industry
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Production of detergents and cleaning agents
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Ceramics and bleaching processes
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Preparation of agricultural pesticides
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Beverage (soft drink) industry
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Edible oil refining plants
Bentonite in Livestock Feed
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Prevents an increase in ruminal acidity (reduces acidosis) in cattle.
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Helps eliminate heavy metals and toxic substances.
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Improves ruminal fermentation, enhancing milk quality.
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Reduces bloating and digestive discomfort.
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Lowers feed costs due to its affordability.
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Decreases ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration, preventing ammonia toxicity that can occur when cattle are fed urea-based diets.
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Enhances protein absorption.
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Acts as a pellet binder during feed processing.
Bentonite in Poultry Feed
In poultry, bentonite helps strengthen the skeletal system and increase eggshell thickness. By slowing the passage rate of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract, it enhances nutrient utilization, leading to improved weight gain and growth rate.
It also improves egg quality, enhances yolk pigmentation, and increases nutritional value. Furthermore, it reduces feed intake, providing economic efficiency. Bentonite is also applied to poultry litter to maintain dryness and hygiene in the rearing environment.