Animal Bedding Barn Deodorizer

Over the past three decades, researchers have examined how natural zeolites deodorant can be applied in barns and feedlots to combat odors and reduce ammonia levels. Odors emitted from these environments often result from ammonia and sulfur compounds that generate from manure handling or storage facilities (Lemay, 1999). Ammonia poses additional challenges because of the stress and irritation it causes to reparatory tracts and mucous membranes, both of which can compromise the overall health of livestock, horses, and poultry (Ullman et al., 2004).

Researchers found that spreading 25 tons of zeolite deodorant per month on the floors of a swine- raising facility absorbed excess liquid waste and reduced the moisture content of excrement. Buildings were described as dry, clean, and significantly less odorous.

Koelliker et al. examined the use of zeolite deodorizer in poultry houses to reduce ammonia concentrations in the air. Essentially, the researchers constructed a device that allowed them to pass ammonia-laden air over six stacked trays holding fine (1.17 to 2.36 mm) and coarse (2.36 to 4.70 mm) zeolite beads. The device removed 15 to 45 percent of ammonia in a contact time of 1 second (Ullman, 2004).

LAB Engineers also found that zeolite deodorizer is effective at reducing ammonia vapors. The researchers added natural zeolite deodorant (38 percent weight) to poultry droppings and yielded a 44 percent reduction in ammonia loss. As an added benefit, the droppings treated by zeolite contained higher nitrogen levels, as it was not released from the waste in the form of ammonia (Ullman, 2004).