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MONTMORILLONITE HANDBOOK

NOTE: ALL OF THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION IS DEDICATED TO PORTRAY ACTUAL KNOWN FACTS AND USES OF THE MONTMORILLONITE PRODUCTS THAT I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO work with and, or ACCUMULATE OVER  MANY YEARS OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT. AND SALES, OF MONTMORILLONITE PRODUCTS. THE INFORMATION HEREIN is to be used for INFORMATION  purposes only, AND ALL  TRIGANIC ORGANIC MINERAL PRODUCTS SHOULD BE USED AS DIRECTED ON OUR PRODUCT LABELS. thanks for your interest, business and support, H.Lynn McGUIRE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS:                                                                                                                                          

INTRODUCTION - TECHNICAL REPORT

CLAY MINERALS FOR MAN

WHAT IS MONTMORILLONITE

TEST RESULTS - USER REPORTS

A NATURAL SOURCE OF CHELATED MINERALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

LABELS AND CLAIMS

APPLICATION INFORMATION

THE NEED FOR FEED SUPPLEMENT

THERMS - NET ENERGY

CONCLUSION

TECHNICAL REPORT

TECHNICAL REPORT / INTRODUCTION:

This is based on original research and excerpts from the book, “The Trace Mineral Story” by Dr. Melchoir Dikkers, Ph.D., and Research Biochemist.   (THE MONTMORILLONITE used by Triganic) is generically is a clay mineral, Montmorillonite.  Montmorillonite is a colloidal silicate mineral generally formed by the deposit of volcanic ash in lakes. 

“In 1931, while Professor of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry at Loyola University, a natural mineral compound was brought to my attention, which later on proved to be one of the most amazing and unique materials I have ever been fortunate enough to come in contact with.  Its properties were such that it caused me to become deeply involved in a research program that was to take me into many years of painstaking analysis and findings.  The material was subsequently identified as a form of Montmorillonite, a colloidal silicate.”

“About twenty years ago, I began research on the natural clay mineral as a food supplement.  At the onset of this research, the experimental work was done laboratory animals.  In the case of various forms of intestinal infections in rabbits, poultry, swine and cattle, amazing results were obtained that did not respond to treatment with other orthodox treatments.  These findings were, of course on a control basis, meaning certain groups of animals were put on the natural clay groups.  The results of these research experiments proved that the minerals contained in the natural clay groups.  The results of these research experiments proved that the minerals contained in the natural mineral clay had a very definite value in the biochemistry of the body.”

 “The results of my research and findings on the natural clay mineral Montmorillonite are as follows:

1.The mineral absorbs toxic substances from the intestinal tract, and at the same time possesses a healing and soothing quality.

2.The absorptive power of this natural clay-mineral compound is very great it absorbs gaseous substances and aids in regularity.

3.The natural clay mineral helps supply mineral trace elements that may be lacking in the diet.

4.The natural trace elements act as catalysts, which aid in metabolism and cell building.

5.These minerals form a gel-like substance, which acts as a protective coating in the intestinal tract.

6.These minerals contain both ferrous and ferric iron. Ferrous irons for the hemoglobin (red coloring matter of the blood) formation and ferric irons for the muscular cells.

7.Minerals function in maintaining osmotic pressure and influence contractibility of muscular cells.

8.Minerals enter into the synthesis of every living cell and they influence the vital processes of oxidation, secretion growth and reproduction.

9.Mineral elements are essential to the structure of certain complex chemical compounds, which influence the course of metabolism.”

 “An interesting side light on the background of this rare natural Montmorillonite mineral is written and told by many persons who have delivered into the history of this mineral.  It is told that deposits were rare and greatly esteemed by the Indians.  Medicine Men wandered for hundreds of miles in search of the cherished minerals.”

“Inorganic minerals such as dolomite, ferrous sulfate zincs gluconate and calcium gluconate when ingested must be made soluble in the stomach.  At the same time protein is hydrolyzed into amino acids.  When both are done and conditions are right the mineral is chelated by the amino acids, meaning suspended between two or more amino acids.  Once it is chelated the mineral can be metabolized.”

“The Triganic Montmorillonite deposit was formed by heavy sedimentation of mineral elements in plant and animal marine life such as seaweed, shrimp and algae.  In this form the minerals are naturally chelated in the plant and animal organism or in other words “organic form.

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CLAY MINERALS FOR MAN

“Since 1950 I have advocated the use of the clay mineral Montmorillonite for the very reason that this clay mineral Montmorillonite contains all the essential mineral trace elements - in a balanced ration as laid down by Nature.   Montmorillonite as mined and processed is a natural mineral containing no harmful elements of any kind.  It has no direct therapeutic effects, but acts as a normalizer of physiological activities in animal tissues.” 

“In biological elements we notice that the mineral contains all of the variable elements of the animal tissues.  In comparing the chemical analysis of the mineral with the analysis of blood and tissues, we again notice a similarity.  However, the mineral contains the elements in a slightly higher percentage.  According to these figures the mineral will furnish any one of the variable and invariable elements which might be lacking in the animals’ body tissues or in the feeds furnished.”

Because of the many interactions and interdependences among minerals, it is believed that the availability of many minerals even in minute quality may be more effective than larger quantities of only two or three minerals.  We quote Dr. Walter Mertz, M.D., head of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Nutrition Institute at Beltsville, Maryland.

“It is not enough to be concerned about the optimal intake range of any      one nutrient by itself - what is optimal varies, depending on what other nutrients are interacting with it at that particular time.  A given intake of a specific nutrient can be ideal, deficient, or excessive, depending on what           other substances are also present.”

“Take dietary iron.  The requirement for human nutrition is very strongly dependent on the presence and concentration of several factors: Vitamin C, copper, nickel, or s special factor in meat, poultry, and fish, all enhance the availability of iron - in other words, help you absorb it.  But then there are other substances, such as the tannin in tea, which reduce the availability.”

“So if you have an iron intake and your intake and your diet is favorable in regard to the “enhancing” factors - containing some vitamin C, copper and nickel or meat, poultry, or fish factor - the amount of iron may be ample.  But if you have a diet that contains a lot of tannin and phosphate but is low on “enhancers”, the same amount of iron will be insufficient.”

“There are at least a hundred other interactions that have already been identified.   And I am sure there are more, which we have not yet been able to spot."

We provide you with this quantitative analysis of the essential elements and those suspected as essential but not yet proven.  It is obvious that the relative quantities do not correspond with the FDA RDA’s, but because of the similarity of the ration of the elements in the deposit to that found in blood and tissue it just might be that nature knows more than we humans.

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WHAT IS MONTMORILLONITE?

Montmorillonite is a naturally occurring substance, mined from many layers of ancient plant life.  Growing in primordial swamps over 300,000,000 years ago, these plants were transformed over eons of geologic time, and into what is today interbedded lake silt.  Discovered around 1900 in the state of Nevada, this is the only known such deposit in the world.  It consists of a fibrous, humus-like material that contains almost all of the known trace elements, such as manganese, potassium, iron, and so on.

This mineral-rich humic substance is naturally bonded, or ‘chelated’ to the basic silicon particles, and makes up about 38% of the total bulk.  Most of the trace elements found in Triganic Montmorillonite are known to enhance and sustain plant and animal life processes: some are considered essential to normal vitality and reproductively. 

 What can it do for agriculture?

As a feed supplement, Montmorillonite has been shown to increase growth, vitality and productive capacity in farm animals, as well as increasing or even restoring lost reproductive fertility.  As an added bonus, better disease resistance has cut both stock loss and veterinary expense. Return To Top:

TEST RESULTS - USER REPORTS

Montmorillonite has been thoroughly tested!

Although discovered over eighty years ago, the mineral deposits used in Triganic Montmorillonite have been tested under rigorous scientific controls.

From 1982 through 1984 Dr. Robert  E. Warnick at SnowField Experiment Station, Ephraim, Utah conducted tests on matched groups of turkeys, in cooperation with the Utah Department of Agriculture.  One group was fed a regular type of feed as a control.  The other group had the same feed, except that 40 pounds per ton of either corn or soy was removed and replaced with Montmorillonite.  The turkeys fed with Montmorillonite substituted for soy showed the best results, reaching maturity two weeks sooner than the control group, and averaging 1.4 pounds heavier per bird.  In addition, some 40 pounds per ton of soy feed was saved over a 28-week period.

Dean Kunz of Ricks College at Rexburg, Idaho carried out another test, in cooperation with Brigham Young University.  In this test, five racehorses were fed one ounce of Montmorillonite per feeding, over a one-month period.  Researchers found that in all horses, the red blood cell count increased from an average of 11.8 million to an average of 16.5 million.  The red blood cell count is an indicator of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which determines muscle efficiency and stamina.

 

Dean E. Bell and Dr. Haven B. Hendricks, both of the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University, have also conducted one test series and are in process with the subsequent replicate on pig feeding trials.  The first test in the + - 100 day trial produced an 8.0% (92.6% Montmorillonite group to 84.6% control group) growth improvement, and Dr. Bell reports that “By the end of the first ten days of trail #2, pigs fed the treatment had substantially outgrown the control fed pigs...I am very encouraged by the data so far”.

  

EXAMPLE

Utah State University in Logan, Utah, under the direction of Dr. Dean E. Bell, Assistant Professor and Poultry Nutritionist, conducted trials evaluating hen performance over a 24-week period, results showed that when Montmorillonite replaced filler in layer diets, egg production increased 11% and feed efficiency improved by 12%.

  

EXAMPLE

 

Montmorillonite users report success:

( Name On File) Dairy of Idaho Falls, Idaho, has one of the top milk production herds in the state.  They milk 250 cows, twice a day, maintaining a top string of 70 to 80 cows that average over 100 lbs. of milk.  When Montmorillonite was introduced into the diet at the level of 1% (of the total ration) dry matter intake dropped from 55.7 lbs. per day to 51.9 lbs., while production actually increased resulting in a nearly 10% improvement in feed efficiency.

(Name On File) manages “(Name On File)” in Burley, Idaho, where he has been using Montmorillonite since 1989.  It has helped him to reach top milk production (22.600 lbs.) with highest average lbs. of protein in his DHI area.  Dale credits the Montmorillonite in part, for his best first lactation record of 24,880 pounds.

(Name On File) and (Name On File) of Hyde Park, Utah, have reached another goal with   their 100-cow dairy, passing the 25,712-lb. mark.  This made them the top Utah DHI herd for 2x milking. (Name On File) reports, “The amazing part of it is that we do it so easily and inexpensively.  We have been feeding Montmorillonite since the beginning when we were only at 20,500-lbs. milk average.

(Name On File) Fryer Farms of Tacoma, Washington showed a 6.2% increase in feed conversion with their broiler operation in 48-day trials that they conducted in 89 - 90.

(Name On File), a dairy farmer in Cache Valley, Utah, says, “I’m not a nutritionist, and I’m not trained in scientific analysis, I’m just a guy who runs a dairy farm, and makes money, and Montmorillonite makes my job a lot easier.  “I don’t understand how it works, but the milk tank seems to know, I cut back on Montmorillonite, the tank cuts back on pounds.   General herd health has never been better!”

Dr. Robert Tarnick at the USU Snow Field Station, Ephraim, Utah, in cooperation with the Utah Department of Agriculture, reported positive growth and feed efficiency improvement in turkey growth trials with Montmorillonite was fed.  The most significant results showed a feed cost saving of $1.02 per turkey with a two-week earlier marketing time.

The Tunison Laboratory of fish Nutrition (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of Hagerman, Idaho) fed Montmorillonite to rainbow trout in 8, 12, and 16 week trial periods, resulting in growth increases of 5.3%, 10.0%, and 13.9% respectively.“ Triganic Montmorillonite serves as an ideal medium for reintroduction of trace minerals into the soil for organic gardening and ornamental horticultural purposes.

  

FEEDING EXAMPLES

ADDITIONAL TEST & RESULTS

(Name On File) FARMS / STANTON, NEBRASKA

(Name On File) reports savings of over 5 cents per head per day -- AFTER deducting the cost of Trace Minerals, during a test on 1600 head of cattle.  Tests conducted by Pharmatox Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, and verified by County Agent, Stanton, Nebraska.

These controlled tests prove conclusively that:

25% to 30% less fat passes THROUGH animals fed rations with Trace Minerals added.  Tests were conducted on droppings of 4 separate herds.

The year of these tests was not available at this time but percentages may be used to reflect cost and earnings

(NAME ON FILE) / LOS MOLINOS, CALIFORNIA                                               

Feed saving of over 20% shown in the rations of a steer using 4 oz. per day of daily intake of Trace Minerals, compared to a control steer of the same breed, from the same herd, for the same number of days fed.  The steer fed Trace Minerals in his ration had more daily gain than the control steer.

FARMER UNION MARKETING ASSOCIATION / DENVER, COLORADO

Field men report dairy cattle are fed a 32% protein with Trace Minerals concentrate ration, balanced and manufactured by Framers Union Marketing Association 20% with 80% plain grains.  Under D. H. I. A. tests have shown increased butter fat up to 6% after three weeks feeding.  Increased milk production, better animal health and a definite decrease in feed consumption has been confirmed.

After feeding six to eight weeks, 4 - 6 oz. Trace Minerals daily per animal, reports of better conception rate has been reported by different dairymen.  From the above reports, we feel the Trace Minerals with protein added are definite step forward in a sound-feeding program.

(Name On File) / GENERAL MANAGER

(NAME ON FILE) FARMS / MANDAN, NORTH DAKOTA

A dairy herd of 264 cows showed a gain of 8% after adding Trace Minerals (Montmorillonite) to their regular ration.

Test conducted by Pharmatox Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, and verified by County Agent, Stanton, Nebraska.

These controlled tests prove conclusively that:

25% to 30% LESS fat passes THROUGH animals fed rations with Trace Minerals added.  (Test was conducted on droppings of 4 separate herds.)

(Name On File) BRIGHTON, COLORADO

(NAME ON FILE), Brighton Holstein, a dairy farmer, reported an increase in butter - fat from 3.7 pounds per 100 to 3.75 lbs.  Milk production increased from 42 pounds per cow per day.  These gains were the result of adding Trace Minerals to their regular ration.  Shreeve also reported that he has reduced his overall feeding of hay for the test animals 320 lbs. per day -- an average of 6 lbs. per head.

  

FEEDING EXAMPLES

 (Name On File) EL CAMINO, CALIFORNIA

Pasture savings of 20% shown in this area by use of Trace Minerals (Montmorillonite) in a salt mix for

Range cattle, plus a definite herd improvement.  These cattle have been on the salt mix for over 18 months.

 

FEEDING EXAMPLES

(Name On File) LOS MOLINOS, CALIFORNIA

Good results have been made on range cattle and sheep by the use of Trace Minerals (Montmorillonite) in a salt mix using the following ingredients: 50% salt, plain - 25% Trace Minerals, - 25% ground grain.

SHEEP

Listed below are the results of a lamb-feeding test conducted at the (Name On File) Ranches, Inc. feed lots.  This was a 33-day test.

 

FEEDING EXAMPLES

 

  

Minerals was used at the rate of 40 pounds per ton (2% of ration)

TEST CONDUCTED BY: (Name On File), STERLING KANSAS

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE

FOOD SUPPLEMENT

No matter how well you are feeding your animals, it is highly probable that their diet is still lacking nutritional elements vital to their health and well-being.  Triganic Montmorillonite is the key.  It supplies the trace mineral element, which is the key to all living organisms, be it plant, animal, or man.  Nutritional researches now tell us that minerals act as a catalyst to release vital energy from the food by activating the many enzyme systems and protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients in their diet.  A balance of essential trace minerals in the system is absolutely necessary.

Doctor’s Comments:

Dr. Walter Mertz, M.D.: Many researchers believe that the total balance - and the ratio of trace elements - and their interaction in a supplement is more important than specific amount of each element.  Dr. Mertz, M.D., head of the Nutritional Institute at Beltsville, Maryland declares it is not enough to be concerned about the optimal intake range of any one nutrient by itself.  What is optimal varies, depending on what other nutrients are interacting with it at that particular time.

 

Dr. Lawrence DeMann, New Your City, indicated that in his test the need for all other nutrients drops by 50% when using our product.

Dr. Maynard Murry, M.D., with over 35 years of research has proven conclusively the value of trace Minerals that balance the diet of animals that trace minerals is a major advance toward achieving optimum nutrition regarding disease and nutrition.  Dr. Murry says, “I am convinced that all disease stems from weakening of the organism and subsequent parasitic infections.  The key to controlling disease is a healthy and optimum functioning conglomerate of cell groups, which is possible only through optimum nutrition.

Triganic Montmorillonite is from organic origin.  Combined with 76 naturally chelated minerals, it is readily assimilated by animals.  This is important because chelated minerals that are combined with an organic substance, such as protein or amino acid, are much more readily absorbed than are inorganic minerals.

Nutrient availability, palatability, Montmorillonite helps the simple stomached and ruminant animal’s digestive systems nutrient utilization.  Montmorillonite increased jejune secretion of digestive juices in the small intestines because of the balance that can be noticed.  When Montmorillonite is fed to your animals, the overall health improvement will be noticed and you will have a much healthier animal, with the following improved conditions:

Aids digestion of food; Prevents  chronic digestive disturbances; Stimulates appetite; Helps maintain maximum feed intake; Less off - feed conditions under stress; Provides nutritional factors, which improve  growth ;Improves stamina in all animals; Stimulates hemoglobin synthesis; Improves respiratory efficiency; Improves insulin activity; Produces a lustrous hair coat; Aids in preventing dehydration;

With these increased overall health conditions, you will increase production of meat, milk or eggs production.  LONGHORN:  Feed six (6) ounces daily.  Top dress current ration.  After 3 - 5 days you will see improved utilization of food, clearing of eyes and nose.  Animal should fill quicker.  Animal should begin ruminating 30 minutes earlier and ruminate longer.  

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TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE

A NATURAL SOURCE OF CHELATED MINERALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS

For over eighty years regional livestock and crop producers have utilized material from a geological specific, non-volcanic hydrothermal deposit in Mineral County, Nevada to support and/or promote livestock and plant growth.  Pioneers state Indian Medicine Men traveled hundreds of miles for this material.

Users report evidence of improved feed efficiency, increased production, accelerated weight gain, increased fertility and increased vitality.  As an added bonus better disease resistance has cut both stock loss and veterinary expense.  Dairymen observe increased milk flow and healthier animals.  Poultry growers’ report enhanced shell quality and rate of lay.  Farmers indicate improved plant health, larger more consistent size of fruit, increased yield, earlier maturity and longer shelf life.  Swine trails indicate increased weight gain plus improved feed conversion compared to the control group.

This mineral rich humic compound contains a broad spectrum of metabolically active minerals and trace elements, which are naturally bonded or ‘chelated’ and include most of the known trace elements.  These elements are known to enhance and sustain plant and animal life processes; some are considered essential to normal vitality and reproductively.

Geologically, this material is described as a Di-Tri-octahedral Smectite.  Its uniqueness stems from the multitude of minerals and trace elements found in the deposit and that each pound of Triganic Montmorillonite contains over 135 K Calories of energy from which plants and animals receive needed vitality.

Chemically, Triganic Montmorillonite is a hydrated calcium sodium aluminosilicate containing Bentonite, Koalin, minerals, and trace elements, which the National Research Council recognizes to be essential.  It is listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 582.1) parts 182, 184, and 186 as a Food Additive, an anti caking agent, a pelleting aid and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.  This material may be used in feeds at levels not exceeding 2% by weight.

Researches have evaluated and tested this product on animal and plant life since the early 1930’s.  It is widely used by farmers and ranchers in the Western United States in vineyards, truck farms, orchards, cattle, poultry, swine, and sheep ranches, feed lots, fisheries and dairies.

Organic Crop Improvement Association in their certification program have “Recognized and Allowed’ this product to be used on land and crops.

Multiple studies have been completed in each area of agriculture listed above and are continuing on regular basis.  Information on these studies is continuing on regular basis.  Information on these studies is available to customers by request.

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TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

NOTICE: The information herein beginning with The Technical Report to Material Safety Data Sheet is given by Triganic Organic Minerals in good faith but no warranty expressed or implied is made.                                                                 

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TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE

LABELS AND CLAIMS

LABEL - ORGANIC MACRO AND MICRO ELEMENTS

  0 - 0 - 1 Guaranteed minimum analysis - Calcium (Ca) 1.80%

   Min/2.80% Max - Phosphorus (P) 0.06% Min. - Iron (Fe) 2.75%

Min. - Potassium (K) 1.70% - Sulfur (S) 1.70% Min - Sodium (Na)

.85% Min. - Magnesium (Mg) .50% Min. - Manganese (Mn)

0.0245% Min. - Selenium (Se) 0.0128% Min. - Zinc (Zn) 0.0024%

Min. - Molybdenum (Mo) 0.0020% Min. - Copper (Cu) 0.0012% Min

Cobalt (Co) 0.0007% Min.- Boron (B) 0.0001% Min.

LABEL - FEED INGREDIENT

Anti-caking aid, Pelleting Aid, Food Additive - Do Not Exceed 2%

in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

SAMPLE LABEL

CLAIMS

Triganic Organic Minerals, does claim, that Triganic Montmorillonite is effective both as a fertilizer / mineral, providing traces of potassium with trace elements, as an anti-caking agent, and as a pelleting aid in the manufacture of feed.  Background study, typical elemental analysis, and the other information set forth herein, is presented to provided some of the necessary technical background and product knowledge / information to our dealer / distributor or the potential distributor / dealer and product users.  None of the enclosed information should be misconstrued as claims that Triganic Montmorillonte may be effective in any manner other than as stated on our product labels.

Notice to Buyer: (Triganic Organics makes no warranty, expressed or implied concerning the use of our product other than indicated on their labels.)

hlm. 01/01/2007                                                                                Return To Top Of Page:

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE

APPLICATION INFORMATION

SOIL APPLIED, MONTMORILLONITE RATES SHOULD BE BASED ON THE SOIL TYPE, AVERAGE YEARLY RAINFALL, AND MANY OTHER FACTORS, HOWEVER YOU WILL FIND A FEW SUGGESTED RATES BELOW! ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DEALER FOR ACCURATE RECOMMENDATIONS

DRY PRODUCT

 DEPLETED SOIL / 500LBS.PER ACRE (PLUS OR MINUS) - SOIL MAINTENANCE / 200 TO 500 LBS PER ACRE

MINIMUM (SUGGESTED APPLICATION RATES) - MACRO AND MICRO ELEMENTS

APPLICATION RATES FOR SPECIFIC CROPS AVAILABLE UPON

REQUEST FROM YOUR LOCAL DEALER

HOME GARDENS:  2 Tablespoons per gallon container.

TURF:  ¼ pound per 1000 square feet.

TREES:  Apply ¼ pound in 2% solution around drip line for each foot of diameter.

POTTED PLANTS:  One teaspoon per quart of water (monthly)

TOMATOES IN PATIO POTS:  One tablespoon per gallon of water, (weekly).                                        

When transplanting, pour eight ounces liquid solution over roots.

RECOMMENDED FOR ORGANIC GARDENING AND ORGANIC FARMING

ALL OF THE INGREDIENTS IN TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE ARE KNOWN TO

BE SAFE FOR ANIMALS, CROPS, LAND AND GROUND WATER.

Triganic contains no known hazardous ingredients.  Any natural contaminants fall within the guidelines established by the Association of American Plant Control Officials.

DRY APPLICATION:

GENERAL APPLICATION RATES:

Maintenance Application:                        200# per acre

Moderate Deficiency:                              500# per acre

Heavy Deficiency:                                 1000# per acre

FIELD CROPS:

BROADCASTING:

Spread evenly over soil surface, by hand or vehicle.

BAND PLACEMENT:

This product can be applied just before seeding near the root zone or by side dressing growing row crops.  

TREE CROPS:

Apply around drip line either by broadcasting or by digging a trench or holes and filling with dry TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE.

APPLICATIONS WITH OTHER PRODUCTS:

HERBICIDES:

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE Solution can be applied with most herbicides. Use 1 quart per acre in banded application and 2 quarts per acre in broadcast application.  It is compatible with most water-dispersed herbicides as well.

LIQUID FERTILIZER:

Mix TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE Solution with liquid fertilizer.  Agitate to thoroughly disperse the trace elements. This can be achieved by adding the product to the mixing batch tank or by inducing through a pump.  When mixing in batch tank, add product to water or nitrogen solution before adding phosphate material.

LIQUID PESTICIDES:

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE Solutions is compatible with most insecticides, fungicides, foliar nutrients, and herbicides.  It can be applied in existing spray programs.  Many pesticides can be added and applied while spraying TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE Solution.

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE Solutions are an excellent acidification agent for alkaline water.  High pH water will break down many insecticides such as Sevin, Dylox, Ethyl Parathion, Malathion, Methyl Parathion and other organic phosphate insecticides, decreasing the effectiveness of the pesticide.

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE solutions are produced to rigid controls at the highest possible concentration for effective usage. Most residues in the pail are water-soluble. Rinse the pail with water and add solution to spray tank.

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THE NEED FOR FEED SUPPLEMENT

In no other field of agriculture has more progress been made in recent years than in livestock feeding and animal nutrition.  The advances of our knowledge during the past ten to twenty years were especially noteworthy and rapid.  so outstanding have these discoveries been, that they have overturned many of the beliefs and theories of the past.  Often ratios for livestock that were considered ideal only a few years ago can now be radically improved by applying the results of these new developments.

For example, a lack of any of the necessary minerals or vitamins may be more injurious than a scanty supply of feed.  Likewise, in feeding certain classes of stock the kind or quality of protein in the ration is fully as important as the amount of protein.

Special attention is therefore given to the recent discoveries, which show how the efficiency of livestock production can be increased.  My primary object is to explain clearly the ways in which farm animals can be fed more economically, so they will return more profit to the owner.

In order to understand the science of livestock feeding, it is necessary first for all to know certain important facts concerning the chemical compounds that make up plants and animals.  We must know the chemical composition of farm animals to understand their food requirements, and we must have information concerning the composition of plants because they furnish most of the food eaten by livestock. 

All living plant or animal tissue is composed of the following:         

1. Water

2. Organic Compounds

3. Mineral Matter or Ash

Water can be driven off as water vapor by heating the material at the temperature of boiling water until it will lose no more weight.  Then by burning the dry matter that is left, the organic matter will be destroyed and pass off in gaseous form, and there will remain only the mineral matter, or ash.

WATER:

Water which is composed of hydrogen and oxygen is not only the largest single constituent of nearly all living plant or animal tissues, but it also performs exceedingly important functions.   The most active parts of plants and animals are very high in water content.  Thus, growing plants usually have 70 to 80 percent of water, and in animals the muscles and internal organs contain 75 percent or more.  Even seeds that have been thoroughly cured generally have at least 8 to 10 percent water.

Among the functions performed by water in plants and animals are the following:

First, the various nutrients can be carried from one part of a plant or an animal to another part only as they are dissolved in water or held in a watery suspension in the sap of plants or the blood of animals.  The mineral nutrients in the soil must be dissolved in water before plants can absorb them.

Second, water also has the property of reacting with many types of chemical compounds, and the life processes could not take place without it.  For example, it is shown that the digestion of food consists primarily of the breaking apart of complex food substances into much simpler ones: water being added to these simpler compounds as they are formed.  Water enables living plants and animals to hold their shape.  This is done by the watery solution inside the cells filling them so full that they are distended and firm.

The water-soluble B vitamins are also important in establishing endurance and nutritional health.  These vitamins act as coenzymes to the many enzyme systems of the tissue cells throughout the body.  When muscular metabolism is sluggish, fatigue becomes more frequent, and the animal loses its endurance and is more susceptible to infectious diseases.  B vitamins keep the tissues toned and functioning properly.

           

ORGANIC COMPOUNDS:

The division of the dry matter of plant and animal tissue into organic compounds and mineral matter is a convenient general method of groping, but not an exact separation.  For example, sulfur is classed as mineral matter, but a large part of it occurs in the proteins, which are organic compounds.  When plant or animal substances are burned under ordinary conditions, some of the sulfur will remain in the ash, but a part will pass off in gaseous form, along with the carbon and hydrogen.

On the other hand, some of the carbon in the true organic compound may be converted into carbonates when such materials are burned and then will remain in the ash.  All organic compounds are made up of carbon united with hydrogen and oxygen, and in some cases with nitrogen and other chemical elements.

The organic compounds are grouped in three general classes, which are:

1. Carbohydrates

2. The fats and fat - like substances

3. Nitrogen compounds

CARBOHYDRATES:

Carbohydrates are highly important in stock feeding, for they form about three-fourths of all the dry matter in plants.  Carbohydrates are the chief source of energy and heat in the food of all animals.  This group of substances includes the sugars, which are relatively simple organic compounds, and also starch, cellulose, and other compounds, which are very complex in nature. 

The term carbohydrate means that these compounds are composed of the three chemical elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. and that the hydrogen and oxygen are present in the same proportion as in water.  The chemical formula for water is H₂O, which means that each molecule of water contains two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.

The sugars are all soluble in water, they are sweet and they form crystals.  They are the portable, carbohydrates building material of plants that are carried to all parts of the plant as needed.  Some plants, such as the sugar beet and sugar cane, store their reserve food chiefly in the form of sugar.

Cellulose: the walls of plants are composed of cellulose and related compounds.  Cellulose is not a single chemical substance, but includes a group of related compounds, which are more complex than starch and are very insoluble and resistant.  Cellulose is made in plants by the combination of many molecules of glucose.  By heating the cellulose with acid it can be broken down into this sugar glucose.

The percentage of cellulose varies greatly in various parts of plants and consequently in the thickness of the cell walls of plants.  The cell walls are thick and resistant in the woody stem and thin and delicate in the softer parts, such as the leaves and fruits.  As plants mature, the percentage of cellulose in the items and leaves increases decidedly.  Also, the cellulose becomes more woody and resistant through the formation of complex substances, such as combinations of cellulose and lignin.

Cellulose and the other resistant carbohydrates can be digested by animals sonly through the action of bacteria, as in the paunch of cattle or sheep.  This digestion is less complete than in the case of starch or sugars, and much energy is wasted in the process.  These carbohydrates therefore have relatively low feeding value.  for man, and such animals as swine and poultry, these carbohydrates have little value, for they are digested only to a very small extent.

FATS:

Fats and oils - and related substances are of much importance, both in plants and animals.  Fats and oils are alike in composition and properties, except that fats are solid at ordinary temperature, while oils are liquid.  In discussions of livestock feeding, both classes are usually included under the term ’Fat’.  All fats and fat-like substances are soluble in ether and certain other solvents.  Therefore, in analyzing feeding stuffs, the sample of feed is extracted with ether, and all the substances thus dissolved are included under the classification of fat, or ether extract.

NITROGEN:

Proteins are of outstanding importance in livestock feeding, because they are essential for life.  In addition to carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, the proteins and other nitrogenous compounds in plants and animals contain nitrogen.  Most proteins also contain sulfur and a few contain phosphorus or iron.  Proteins are exceedingly complex compounds, each molecule probably containing many thousands of atoms.  In plants and animals there are great many kinds of proteins, which differ from each other in composition.  Each molecule of protein is composed of a considerable number of different nitrogenous compounds called amino acids.  The amino acids may therefore be called the ’Building Blocks’ from which the proteins are made.  The simpler of these amino acids are similar to the fatty acids in structure, except they contain the nitrogenous amino group NH₂.  Other amino acids are much more complex in nature.

The complex nature of the proteins is evident from the fact that there have been identified at least 23 amino acids which may enter into the composition of a protein.  Just as the letters of the alphabet may be combined into innumerable words; so the possibility for the combination of the amino acids into different proteins is almost limitless.

In both plants and animals not only the protoplasm in the living cells but also the nucleus (which controls the activity of each cell) are chiefly protein.  In plants the greater part of the protein is usually concentrated in the reproductive parts and in the actively growing portions, such as leaves.

In animals, not only the protoplasm, but also the cell walls are chiefly protein.  Therefore, protein forms by far the greater part of the muscles, internal organs, connective tissue, and also such outer tissues as: skin, hair, wool, nails and horns.  Protein is one of the chief constituents of the nervous system and it even forms an important part of the bony skeleton providing tenacity and elasticity.

Formation of proteins in plants -- plants are able to build the complex molecules from simple inorganic nitrogenous slats, such as the nitrates, which are taken from the soil through the roots to form the proteins.  The nitrogen is united with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen from the sugars or other simple carbohydrates and generally with small amounts of sulfur.  Certain of the important proteins also contain phosphorus.

Building of protein by animals -- in strong contrast to plant, animals build the proteins of their tissues primarily from the amino acids resulting from the digestion of protein in their food.  Before food protein can be absorbed and used by animals, it must be broken down during digestion into amino acids.  To make a molecule of any particular body protein, several different amino acids are necessary, and these must be in certain definite proportions for each kind of protein.

A fact of great importance in stock feeding is that animals have only very limited ability to change any amino acids, of which they may have excess, into others that are needed.  They can readily make some of the simpler amino acids from others of which there may be a surplus.  On the other hand, animals are not able to from certain amino acids from any other source.  These particular amino acids are therefore necessary for their life and must be supplied in adequate amounts by the food.

Fortunately, the bacteria, which digest cellulose and other complex carbohydrates in the paunch of ruminants, are able to make all the amino acids from other nitrogenous compounds.  They, therefore, make complete proteins from food sources that could not be well utilized by single -- stomached animals.  Ruminants are able to digest the bacteria further on in the digestive tract.  They may thus secure the amino acids they need, even though the food they eat contains an amount of certain amino acids that would be inadequate for simple -- stomached animals.

Protein, crude protein, true protein in addition to the proteins plants, contain some simpler nitrogenous compounds, often called ‘non-protein nitrogen’.  The amounts of such compounds are small in seeds and in mature plants, but they may form one-third of the total nitrogenous compounds in very immature plants, such as pasture crops.  In silages there are an even larger proportion of these simpler nitrogenous compounds because some of the protein in the green crop has been broken down into simpler compounds.

In most feeds the greater part of the simpler nitrogenous compounds, consist of amino acids and combinations of amino acids that are less complex than protein.  These compounds are similar to the products formed when protein is digested by animals, and they can therefore be used the same as protein in the body.

MINERALS:

Although we have only touched the highlights of efficiently feeding livestock on pastures and hay of different types and quality of roughage: we would now like to discuss ’Triganic Montmorillonite and explain minerals as the foundation of life and the ingredient content of ’Triganic Organic Montmorillonite’.

Have you ever asked yourself or wondered why cattle for example look so good in the spring and early summer and then start going down in the late summer and then fall to pieces in mid-winter?  Why are the valleys so lush and higher on the hill the poorer the grass?  Why are the bottomland soils so much more fertile?  Think for a minute, the early growth grasses have the minerals, and the valleys through the years of erosion have received most of the mineral content from the hillside.  It is also true with floodwaters and wash into the river bottoms.

Considering this should clear up any questions you might have about the need for minerals, doesn’t it?  Now consider this, livestock are by nature healthy.  As a matter of fact, over 90% of sickness and disease go back to improper nutrition, especially in ruminants.  As a result, you do not need to be an expert to see that balanced nutrition is much easier with proper mineral, and grass or hay than all the protein and grain you could put together.

Minerals make up only four to six percent of the body of a vertebrate animal, but because of their diverse roles in the body processes, minerals are important in the entire field of nutritional biochemistry.  It has long been understood that for normal growth and function, inorganic slats must be supplied to all biological forms.  Pasteur showed in 1850 that yeast would grow only when the culture medium contains inorganic compounds in addition to fermentable carbon compound.  The importance of inorganic salts in the diet of higher animals emerged in the early 1900’s.

Let’s go back a few years, about 30 or 40 years when cottonseed meal and bone meal was $30 to $40 per ton.  Most pastureland had not been divided into small acreages as they are today.  Therefore, livestock could range on 20 to acres per head, which gave them the opportunity to locate necessary elements in a variety of plant lives.  Now with the major ranches having been divided and parcels being sold off in most of the country, we are now producing three to five times more livestock on one-third the available acreage.

With the technology of modern science we are able to produce higher producing animals.  Large livestock areas exist in the U.S. today that just a few years ago unheard of.  Take a look toward the future - with the population growth and the world demand for food, if we are to survive in the livestock industry, we must receive benefit from every blade of grass or legumes that our livestock consumes.  This means we must provide our livestock the nutrients they cannot get from the grass or grain to insure maximum feed conversions and utilization.

The present economic situation and the skyrocketing costs in production programs of livestock producers: many livestock producers are seeking a means to cut corners.  Unfortunately, some producers have stopped using minerals.  This is extremely poor economics, to attempt to save money by not feeding minerals even with the present cost  price squeeze situation!  These circumstances make it even more critical to meet the mineral needs of the livestock.  Minerals used to make up a minor cost of feeding animals and the returns certainly outweigh that cost.

The indispensable elements needed for nutritional purposes by animals are usually divided into two groups.  Group one called major or macro elements include: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine and magnesium.  The second group is the remaining essential minerals and is usually termed the trace minerals or trace elements because the animal only in very small quantities needs them.  The trace elements usually included among the trace minerals for nutritional purposes are: iron, copper, manganese, zinc, cobalt, and iodine.  In addition to the elements, that are known to be required by poultry and livestock, an animal’s body may contain as many as 20 to 30 additional elements.  Most of these are believed to be acquired by the process of accumulation in bones and other tissues due to their contamination presence in the feedstuffs the animal consumes.

There is now growing evidence that such elements as aluminum, silicon, vanadium, chromium and other will be found essential to biochemical processes in animal nutrition.  For example, zinc though to be a contaminant only a very few years ago is now known to be essential.

Minerals play a unique role in nutrition because they furnish no energy or protein, yet they are essential for the utilization of energy and protein, and for the biosynthesis of essential nutrients.

Potassium is found almost universally as the principal inorganic cation of cells.  Whereas, sodium is present mainly as a cation of extra cellular tissue fluids of animals. These two cations, along with the anion chloride, play an extremely important role in the osmotic regulation of body and tissue fluids.  These elements have been classified as major or macro elements, primarily because of the relatively large amounts required for osmotic activity.  However, it is now recognized that potassium and sodium also serve as essential activating ions for specific enzyme systems.

The major univalent cations, together with calcium and calcium and magnesium, are important in the preservation of the integrity of cell membranes and the normal activity of excitable tissue.  The inclusion of calcium and magnesium among the major or macro elements required for the nutrition of all vertebrates is primarily a reflection of their presence in bone structure in the form of carbonates and phosphates.  Approximately 99% of the calcium and 70% of the magnesium in the mammal are found in the skeletal structures.  Calcium also plays a very important role in eggshell formation, proper secretion of milk, and the contraction of muscle fibers.  Calcium is vitally important for the coagulation or clotting of blood, in addition to many other metabolic functions.

In contrast to the distribution of calcium, the magnesium content of muscle cells is relatively high.  In this tissue, magnesium plays an important role as an activating ion in many of the enzymatic reactions.  Indeed, nearly all tranphosphorylation reactions involving ATP require the presence of magnesium.       

The biochemical importance of phosphorus becomes evident when we study the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and vitamins.  In addition, it plays a major role in the normal formation of bone.  Phosphorus is present in every living cell.  This includes the nucleic acids, which control heredity and growth.

Sulfur is required principally as an essential part of the sulfur containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine.  It is also part of several hormones, enzymes, vitamins and bile salts.

Remembering that the trace minerals are interrelated and in certain instances, depend upon each other for proper utilization, let’s discuss the known actions of some of these trace elements:

Iodine - The rate of metabolism of the body is controlled through the action of iodine containing hormone thyroxin, which is secreted by the thyroid gland.  A deficiency of iodine causes an enlargement of the thyroid, and in an attempt to secrete sufficient thyroxin, a goiter condition results.  Iodine, through its regulation of the production of thyroxin, keeps this hormone meshing with other hormones of the body.  It is intimately associated with the activity of the pancreas, the adrenal’s, the pituitary, the thymus and the gonads.

Iron - The production of the oxygen-transporting compound of the blood is dependent upon iron.  Iron is also essential for the production of certain enzymes that are important in the use and oxidation of nutrients in the body.  About 70% of the iron in the animal body is contained in the hemoglobin, and since the red cells of the blood are continually being destroyed and new cells producer, much of this iron is used over and over.

Copper - is also intimately concerned in the production of hemoglobin.  Copper is not a part of the hemoglobin, but it is necessary to enable the body to produce this substance.

Cobalt - A constituent part of the vitamin B12 cobalt that is known to be closely related to copper, and deficiency of cobalt frequently is associated with anemia.  Practically every organ of the body contains cobalt.  A sub clinical deficiency may show general unthriftness and poor growth.  In severe deficiencies there is pronounced weakness and lethargy, rough hair coat, occasionally ocular discharge and diarrhea.  The accompanying anemia may result in edema.

Manganese - This element is closely associated with copper and other trace elements in the proper utilization of iron.  Manganese is needed for the normal development of muscles and the internal organs.

Zinc - Much research is now is progress on the requirements of zinc for various classes of livestock.  Lack of growth and poor development of epithelial tissues is noted in deficiencies.

Potassium - Deficiencies of this element are seldom seen as most feedstuffs contain ample amounts of potassium.  It might be noted, however, that responses to administration of potassium chlorate have been observed in cases of bovine ketosis.  This would lead one to believe that there is a possibility of deficiencies occurring.

Sulfur - This element is essential for the life processes, as it is an essential part of most proteins and some of the vitamins.  It is thought, that free sulfur is not essential, as sulfate containing compounds, such as amino acid cysteine, supply the needed sulfur.

Magnesium - Recent work indicates that magnesium has a great importance in maintaining the appetite of ruminants and that a deficiency will cause marked physical changes in the rumen contents.

Selenium - Evidence indicated selenium to be important with, or in lieu of, vitamin E in the prevention of muscular dystrophy or white muscle disease.

Molybdenum - The exact functions of molybdenum are not known.  However, it may have to do with metabolism of the liver, adrenal glands, gonad, or perhaps the pituitary.   

Aluminum - Action is unknown, however, it is probably linked with proper enzyme production.

Lead - Function not clearly understood, but it is possibly concerned with the copper, molybdenum, and sulfate complex.

Strontium - Barium - Bromine - Scientific research is continuing as to the necessity and action of these elements.

ENZYMES:

Enzymes are the organic catalysts, which speed up the biochemical reaction in the digestive system without actually entering into the reaction.  In other words, they are necessary in the role of breaking down the feedstuff without supplying any nourishment to the animal as such.  Without enzymes the animal could not receive any nourishment from anything it eats.  In fact, enzymes are the catalysts of life.   Without them the process of life could not exist.

The word enzyme comes from the Greek word ‘en’ which means in, and ‘zyme’ meaning yeast, or ‘in yeast’.  The enzymes in Triganic Montmorillonite play an important role in helping an animal digest its feed.  In essence, enzymes initiate feed digestion before the animal’s natural enzymes is called upon to finish the digestive process.  Triganic Montmorillonite enzymes help improve feed utilization. A simple explanation of how Triganic Montmorillonite aids the utilization of feed, might best be illustrated by a farmer having 1,000 acres of wheat to be harvested, and a storm is coming.  With only two combines it is impossible to harvest the wheat before the storm hits.  But let’s suppose that two of his neighbors volunteer to help him harvest the wheat with their equipment, he is then able to harvest the 1,000 acres in plenty of time before the storm arrives.  The Triganic Montmorillonite enzymes serve the same purpose by facilitating the best possible utilization of feed for the animal.

An animal is naturally equipped to harvest the nutrients from his feed, but he just doesn’t have enough, or in some cases, the right equipment to get a complete job done in time.  The feed in the digestive tract that is not completely broken down by the animal’s natural enzymes is wasted nutritionally and economically.  The extra assistance provided by Triganic Montmorillonite makes up for the efficiency and improves the total feed digestibility.

METHODS OF MEASURING THE HEAT AND ENERGY VALUES OF FEEDS:

In the computation of balanced rations for livestock, it is necessary to know the amounts of nutrients furnished by each of the available feeds.  Also, in order to plan an efficient cropping system on a stock farm, one must have accurate data concerning the actual feeding value of the various crops that can be grown.  The simplest method of measuring the usefulness of any feed is to determine the amounts of digestible nutrients it supplies.  this method is therefore discussed first.  A method that is theoretically more accurate, but which is more complicated and expensive, is to determine the amount of net energy furnished by the feed.  The energy values are discussed later.

The total Digestible Nutrients included all the digestible organic nutrients - protein, fiber, nitrogen-free extract and fat (the latter being multiplied by 2.25, because its energy value for animals is approximately 2.25 times that of protein or carbohydrates).  The abbreviation T.D.N. is often used for Total Digestible Nutrients.

The percentages of Total Digestible Nutrients therefore represent the approximate heat or energy value of the feed.  The digestible protein is included in this total, since protein serves as a source of heat and energy when more is provided than is required to meet the protein needs of the body.

DETERMINING THE CHEMICAL GAIN OR LOSS IN THE BODY:

To illustrate the manner in which a respiration apparatus is used to gain information on the use of food in the body, let’s assume that a steer has been fed a normal fattening ration during a respiration experiment.  the feed given the animal during 24 hours contained 0.75 lb. of nitrogen and the feces and urine voided during the same day contained 0.68 lb. of nitrogen.

Therefore, in this experiment, the steer had stored 0.07 lbs. of nitrogen in its body in the form of protein tissue.  Multiplying this by the factor 6.25, it is found that the animal made 0,44 lb. of body protein during the day.

Similarly, if the feed contained 13.44 lbs. of carbon, and the steer voided 12.71 lbs. during the day, in the feces, in the urine and in carbon dioxide and methane gas, then 0.73 lbs. of carbon must have been stored in his body.  Since the average carbon content of body proteins is known, the amount of carbon in the 0.44 lb. of body protein stored can be computed and this can be subtracted from the total carbon stored.

Practically all the rest of the carbon must have been stored in the form of body fat, because the glucose and glycogen content of the body does not ordinarily change appreciably from day to day.  Then from the average carbon content of body fat, there can be computed the amount of body fat stored during the experiment.

By means of respiration studies of this kind, definite information can be gained concerning the use an animal can make of the total nutrients in a ration.  For example, in the case of a growing or fattening animal, one can determine the actual amount of energy that is stored in the newly - formed body tissue.

In the experiments with a horse the proportion of the food energy can be found that is converted into useful work.  In experiments with dairy cows there can be similarly ascertained the proportion of the total energy in the ration which is transformed into the energy of the milk.  Such investigations have therefore been of great value in furnishing information on the important problems.

GROSS ENERGY OF FEEDS:

A mature animal may be compared to a steam engine, in which a part of the energy derived from the fuel is used for the operation of the engine itself, while the surplus may perform useful work.  the steam engine derives its energy from coal, oil, or wood; the animal, from the feed it consumes.  Both require a small amount of repair material - steel, brass, etc. for the engine, and protein and mineral matter for the animal - but the largest demand with engine and mature animal alike is for energy.  It is therefore both important and interesting to consider the relative value of feeds in terms of the energy they can furnish the body.

The gross energy value of any feeding stuff for the animal depends on the amount of energy that it will furnish when burned.  As with coal, the gross energy value of a feed is determined by burning the weighed quantity of it in pure oxygen gas under pressure in an apparatus called a calorimeter.  The heat given off is taken up by water surrounding the combustion chamber and is determined with an exceedingly accurate thermometer.

The units of measurement employed in measuring heat and energy in such investigations are the Calorie and the Therm.  A Calorie (C) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water nearly 4 degrees Fahrenheit.  A therm (T) is 1,000 Calories.  The Calorie, known as the large, or great Calorie, is written with a capital C, to distinguish it from the calorie (small ’c’).  The Calorie is 1,000 times the calorie.

The gross energy of 100 lbs. of various substances, or the heat evolved on burning them, is as follows:

The table shown on page 26 shows that, on burning, 100 lbs. of anthracite coal yields 358.3 terms, or enough heat to raise the temperature of 3.58.3 lbs. of water 4 degrees Fahrenheit.  One hundred pounds of Timothy hay yields 181.2 terms or about half as much as coal.   Linseed meal has a higher fuel value than corn meal, chiefly because linseed meal has more fat, but also because it has more protein.  Digestible protein yields considerably more heat than the carbohydrates, and fat yields over twice as much heat as do carbohydrates.

METABOLIZE OR AVAILABLE ENERGY:

The gross energy of a feed does not measure its nutritive value to the animal, because feed that yield the same number of heat units in the calorimeter may differ in the amount of energy which they can furnish to the body.  Certain portions of the gross energy are entirely lost by the following means:

1.  A part of the food passed through the digestive tract undigested.

2. The carbohydrates, especially woody fiber undergo fermentations in the intestine and paunch in which combustible gasses, especially methane are formed that are without fuel value to the animal.

3. When the protein substances in the body are broken down, they form urea and other nitrogenous compounds that arte excreted by the kidneys.  These have fuel value, which is lost to the body.

The Metabolize Energy of any feed, is only portion of the feed that is of use to the animal.  Metabolize Energy, also sometimes called available energy is the amount of energy left after deducting from the gross energy of the feed these three losses:

1. The energy in the feces.

2. The energy lost in the urine.

3. The energy lost in combustible gasses.

ADDITIONAL LOSSES OF ENERGY:

The Metabolize Energy of a feed measures the value for heat production in the body, but does not represent its true value for other purposes.  The animal must spend part of the Metabolize Energy from any food in the work of masticating and digesting it and assimilating the digested nutrients.  Obviously, energy is required for the movements of the jaws in chewing, the movements of the digestive tract, and the increased work of the heart and lungs during the digestive process.  Also, the secretion of the digestive juices requires energy and there are additional losses of energy in the heat produced through the bacterial action upon carbohydrates.

The energy consumed, in these processes, all takes the form of heat, and it may help to warm the body.  However, it cannot be used for other body purposes, because the body has no ability to convert heat into other forms of energy.

In addition, to these losses of energy due to the actuarial work of masticating, digesting and assimilating the food, a further loss occurs through the speeding up of the general metabolism in the body, which always follows the consumption of food.  It has been found that the rate of metabolism is at once increased, when nutrients are absorbed from the digestive tract following a meal.  As a result, more heat is produced.  This additional production of heat is sometimes called the ‘specific dynamic effect’ of the food nutrients.

heart, lung The effect is familiar to all of us, for we know that if we eat a meal when we are chilly, we will soon feel decidedly warmer.  Likewise, if we eat too heartily in hot weather, we will suffer even more from the heat.

All these losses of energy in the form of heat are often grouped together under the term ‘work of digestion’.  Investigators in this field more commonly use the term ‘heat increment’ to include all these losses, for they are due to an increase, or increment, in the heat production of the body, which is caused by the consumption of food.

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THERMS - NET ENERGY

The Net Energy of any feed is the amount of energy left after deduction from the Metabolize Energy, the energy lost in the so-called ‘work of digestion, or heat increment’.

This Net Energy is used by the animal, first of all, to meet its daily maintenance needs.  Even when an animal consumes no food, a certain amount of energy is required for the necessary functions of the body.  These include the work of the, and other internal organs, as well as the work done by the muscles in producing the movement of the body.  A certain amount of the Net Energy furnished by the food must therefore, be used by the animal for this daily maintenance needs.

In case a surplus of Net Energy remains after meeting the requirement of the animal for merely maintaining the body, the surplus may be used for producing growth, fat, milk or wool, or in the performance of external work.

EQUATIONS FOR METABOLIZE ENERGY AND NET ENERGY:

To fix in mind the definitions for Metabolize energy and Net Energy, they may be stated thus, in the form of equations:

Metabolize Energy = gross energy - energy loss in feces, urine and combustible gasses

Net Energy = Metabolize Energy - energy lost in work of digestion.

NET ENERGY VALUES OF TYPICAL FEEDS:

Our knowledge, concerning the Net Energy values of different feeds and of the use of Net Energy by the various farm animals, has been obtained through the painstaking and laborious experiments conducted by Armsby and later by Forbes at the Pennsylvania Institute of Animal Nutrition with a respiration calorimeter and by Kelhner and others with a respiration apparatus.

Most of these investigations have been with mature steers, and but little information of the character is available concerning the net Energy values of feeds for other classes of stock.  Also, on account of the great expense involved in these experiments, it has been possible for the investigators to study but relatively little feeding stuff.

As the pure nutrients were entirely digestible, no losses occurred in the feces.  There was no loss of energy in the form of methane in the case of peanut oil or wheat gluten, because fat and protein do not undergo the fermentations in the paunch and large intestines, which produce this gas.  With starch, a loss of 18.8 therms of energy occurred in methane gas for each 100 lbs. of the nutrient.  A loss of energy in the urea and other nitrogenous compounds in the urine resulted only in the case of the wheat gluten, since fat and starch do not contain protein or other nitrogenous compounds.           

Deducting these losses, there remained 399.2 therms of metabolize energy for the fat, 213.9 therms for the protein, and 167.2 therms for the starch.  The losses in the heat increment, or so-called ’work of digestion’ were highest in the case of the fat and lowest for the starch.  Deducting their losses, there remained 224.8 therms of net energy from the 100 lbs. of fat; 95.6 therms from the same weight of protein, and 98.5 therms from the starch.

It should be noted that, although the protein contained considerably more gross energy than the starch, the losses were so much larger that it supplied a trifle less net energy.  This Net Energy value of protein represents merely its worth as a substitute for starch or fat in the production of heat, energy or body protein.

ADVANTAGE AND LIMITATIONS OF NET ENERGY VALUES:

For many years there has been much discussion among scientists as to whether feeds should be compared and rations computed on the basis of Net Energy values or on the basis of digestible nutrients.  There is no question but that the Net Energy values of hay or other roughage furnishes a more correct measure of its value for productive purposes that it’s content of digestible nutrients, when it is desired to compare the roughage directly with a grain or other concentrate.  Therefore, from this standpoint Net Energy values would be preferable to Total Digestible Nutrients as a basis for evaluating feeds and computing rations for livestock.

However, there are great scientific and also practical limitations in the use of Net Energy values.  First of all, on account of the real cost of investigation, the values of but very few feeds have been actually determined by experiments with a respiration apparatus or a respiration calorimeter.  For example, though most such studies have been with fattening steers, the Net Energy values of less than 20 feeds have been directly determined for this class of stock.  Still less information is available in the case of the other farm animals.

For all the other many feeding stuffs, the Net Energy values must be computed from their chemical composition or from their content of digestible nutrients.  When this is done, it is often necessary to make arbitrary deductions, based on the judgment of the scientist, from the computed values, to produce a result that seems reasonable.  Sometimes the computed values have not been corrected sufficiently on the basis of judgment, and figures have been published for certain feeds that are widely different from those that have been obtained in actual feeding experiments.

Unlike the burning of fuel in a stove, the oxidation in the body takes place at a comparatively low temperature.  In still another respect, the body oxidations differ radically from ordinary burning of fuel.  In a furnace the wider the draft is opened, increasing the supply of oxygen, the more rapid will be the combustion. 

However, the body, so long as there is a normal supply of oxygen, the rate of burning of the food nutrients is independent of the supply of air.  Hence the greater intake on heat production, through the increased muscular work in such breathing may lead to a slight increase in the production of heat.

REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE:

Not only must heat be continuously produced in the body, but also the temperature must be kept constant under varying external conditions and with supplies of feed differing from day to day in amount and heat - producing power.  This is done, first of all, by regulating the floss of heat from the body, which is called physical regulation.  In cold weather insufficient heat may be generated for the normal processes of the body to maintain the temperature, and then there is an involuntary rise in the production of heat by increasing the oxidations of nutrients in the tissues.   This is called chemical regulation.

The most important means of regulating the loss of heat is by varying the circulation of the blood near the surface of the body.  When the body temperature rises, more blood flows to the capillaries of the skin, increasing the floss of heat by radiation and conduction from the surface of the body.  It is this, which causes the flushing of the skin commonly observed when one becomes heated.  This means of regulation may be compared to opening the windows when a room becomes too hot.

If this means of control is not sufficient to keep the body temperature normal, sweat is produced, the evaporation, of which cools the surface of the body.  If the animal has only a few sweat glands, as in the case of swine or dogs, it will begin to pant.  This increases the loss of heat by the vaporization of water from the lungs and mouth and also increases the loss of heat through warming the large amount of air breathed in and out.  The dog will not only pant, but also will extend his tongue so as to expose the wet surface to the fair, in order to increase the loss of heat by the evaporation of water.

In addition to these means so regulating the loss of heat, the clothing of man, and the hair, wool, feathers or thick skin of animals check and control its loss from the body.  Also, when an animal is sleeping, it will tend to curl up if it is cold and to stretch out when it is hot, this decreasing or increasing the amount of body surface exposed.

NET ENERGY VALUES DIFFER WITH KIND OF ANIMAL AND WITH INDIVIDUAL ANIMALS:

It has been found that the same feeds have decidedly different Net Energy values for some classes of stock than for others.  Therefore, Net Energy values determined in experiments with one class of animals my not furnish a correct index of the values as the same feeds for other stock.  Investigations to study this problem were begun by Armsby and continued by Forbes and associates after the death of Armsby.  In these studies it was found that the Net Energy value of a ration for the fattening of cattle was only 76 percent as great as the Net Energy value of the same feeds for the maintenance of cattle.  The Net Energy values of feeds for milk production by dairy cows, according to these investigations, are practically as high as for maintenance, averaging 98.5 percent of the latter values.

European investigators found years ago that the Net Energy values of concentrates for fattening swine were much higher than values for fattening cattle.  Recently Mitchell and Hines determined that the Net Energy value of corn grain for chickens was 128.5 therms per l00 lbs.  This is 52 percent higher than the Net Energy value of the same grain for fattening cattle, determined earlier by Armsby.

According to the investigations of Zuntz many years ago, the Net Energy values of corn, oats, and other concentrates for horses are also much higher than the values of these same feeds for fattening cattle.

The Net Energy values of the same feed determined in experiences with individual animals of a particular class, sometimes differ very widely, due to the individuality of the experimental animals and the complexity of the methods of investigation.

All the energy used up in the various forms of internal work of the body is finally changed to heat.  Though this energy is lost so far as useful production is concerned, the heat formed helps to maintain the body temperature.  The amount of heat so produced is considerable.  Even with such as easily digested feed as corn, nearly one-half of the total energy, which the digestible nutrients furnish, is converted into heat in the processes of mastication, digestion and assimilation.  With roughages, such as hay and straw, the proportion is much larger.

However, in the case of animals exercising normally, the larger contraction is caused by the oxidation of nutrients in the muscles.  Even when the muscles are not actively contracting, some heat is being generated in them.

When an animal is not moving about or even standing upright, the muscles are nevertheless in a state of some tension, and a small amount of nutrients must be continually oxidized to produce the force required for this tenseness.

Even when an animal is not visibly sweating, a considerable part of the heat loss is through the evaporation of water from the surface of the body in the form of insensible perspiration, in which there is no visible sweat on the skin.  From studies of milk cows at the New Hampshire Stations, Ritzman and Benedict concluded that insensible perspiration was the safety valve by which the animal eliminated excess heat under high pressure of metabolism.

In Illinois tests with steers, Mitchell and Hamilton found that the percentage of heat lost by the vaporization of water (including the loss both from the skin and from the lungs) increased as the temperature rose.  Even at an air temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not unduly warm, as much as 40 to 50 percent of the total loss of heat was by this means.

When the temperature of the air is too cold, the chemical method of temperature regulation must be brought into action.  The oxidation of nutrients in the tissues must be increased solely to keep the animal warm.  This may be accomplished voluntarily in part, but it may also be entirely involuntary.  On cold days, for example, animals eat more heartily and take more exercise than in warm weather, both of which result in the production of more heat.

A low external temperature also causes an involuntary stimulation of the oxidations going on in the tissues, which may even become visible in the shivering of the chilled animal.  This is the outward manifestation of increased muscular contractions, started to produce more heat.

The temperature of the air below which the oxidations in the body must be increased to keep an animal warm is called the critical temperature for that animal.  The exact temperature will depend on the species of animal; on its coat of hair, wool, or feathers, on its degree off fattiness; and especially, on how liberally it is being fed.

In the case of a fattening animal given all it will eat, much heat is unavoidably produced in the mastication, digestion, and assimilation of the ration.  Except in usually cold weather, the heat this formed is sufficient to keep the animal warm.

For this reason, except in cold climates, cattle and sheep fattened in winter will make just as economical gains when fed in an open shed as when housed in a warmer stable.  The critical temperatures for farm animals with winter coats and which are fed maintenance rations are probably somewhat below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  In the case of a man wearing ordinary clothing, the critical temperature is about 49 degrees Fahrenheit, and for swine it is 68 degree or more.

Any external conditions that increase or decrease the loss of heat from the body affect the critical temperature.  For example, wind striking the body continuously removes the layer of partially warmed air next to the skin, and this increases the loss of heat.  Therefore a cold temperature is felt much more on a windy day, and wind makes hot weather less uncomfortable. 

Moistness of the air increases the conduction power of the hair, wool or clothing and therefore animals feel the effects of damp, cold weather much more than of dry cold.  In hot weather a high humidity or moisture content of the air lessens the rate of evaporation of water from the body and therefore the loss of heat.  This is why animals suffer much more on a humid or sultry, hot day than on a day equally hot, when the air is drier.  Because the loss of heat is largely controlled by the clothing he wears, man has in some measure, lost his power of heat regulation.  With many of the warm - blooded animals, however, this power is highly developed and they can adapt themselves  to great extremes of external temperatures.

ENERGY REQUIRED FOR VITAL FUNCTIONS:

In a maintenance ration, a certain amount of Net Energy must be supplied for the various activities of the body when it is idle.  Even when an animal is not eating food or digesting or assimilating a meal, energy is required for the work of the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.  Also, as has been pointed out previously, nutrients are constantly being oxidized in the muscles to keep them in a state of tension.  When an animal is standing, more nutrients must be oxidized than when it is lying at rest, as the muscles are under greater tension.  If it moves about, a still larger amount is needed to furnish the energy required for the movements.  All of the energy used for these body needs is finally transformed into heat, and this aids in keeping the animal warm.

Experiments have shown that with a mature animal being maintained at rest in the stall, the requirement for fuel to keep up the body temperature is usually much greater than the amount of Net Energy needed for the internal work of the body organs.  For example, to maintain the horse at rest only one-third of the total energy of the ration need be supplied in the form of Net Energy, the remainder serving simply as body fuel.

Maintenance rations for livestock, except swine and poultry, may therefore consist largely of roughages, such as hay and straw, which furnish abundant heat, but do not yield much Net Energy.  Since the ration must furnish at least a minimum amount of Net Energy, animals cannot be maintained without loss of weight on such a feed as wheat or straw alone, which furnishes no Net Energy to the horse and but little to the remnant.

CONCLUSIONS:

As an engineer and scientist I have spent most of my professional life in applying basic scientific and economic principals to growing, feeding and developing of feed products to the livestock industry.  This experience has covered a wide cross section of specialty feeds when dealing with individuals and organizations involved in the feed industry.  It is difficult to separate self - interest, ignorance and indifference when considering the factors that limit our livestock production today, or that may give us much greater concern in the future.

I have been involved over the past two decades in a mineral feed compound the results of preliminary tests and performance on most all classes of livestock indicate that this natural mineral compound is an excellent feed and or pasture supplement.  It is strongly recommended that a continuing research program be extended.

Dr. Maynard Murry, M.D.

TRIGANIC MONTMORILLONITE CONTAINS:

1. 76 Major and Minor Trace Mineral Elements

2. 2.1% Crude Fiber

3. 85.45% Ash

4.  137 KCAL / lb. (approx