Clays and Aluminum Silicates - Feed Ingredient

Clays and aluminum silicates are a broad class of naturally occurring mineral compounds primarily composed of layered aluminosilicate structures. These include common minerals such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, bentonite, and halloysite. Their layered structures allow for high surface area and cation exchange capacity, making them useful in a variety of feed applications.

In equine nutrition, clays and aluminum silicates are often used as pellet binders, anti-caking agents, and mycotoxin adsorbents. Their ability to bind moisture improves feed handling and stability, while their sorptive properties help reduce the bioavailability of certain mycotoxins present in contaminated feeds.

However, clays and aluminum silicates may exhibit non-specific binding, meaning they can also adsorb vitamins, trace minerals, and certain medications along with toxins.