Farms.com Home   News

A Soybean Hull-based Cat Litter Performs Better Than Some Commercial Products, but Peoria Ag Lab is Having Difficulty Finding a Producer

By Tim Shelley

Scientists at the Peoria Ag Lab have improved upon their recipe for a better kitty litter. Now they just need to find a company interested in bringing it up to a commercial scale.

Plant physiologist Steve Vaughn says soybean hulls may be the key ingredient for a better cat litter.

Previously, Vaughn's team tried out litters based on dried distillers' grains and Eastern red cedar flakes. But two years ago, they received a grant to find a use for soy waste products.

"And we come up with a formulation that is actually as good in every respect are better in some factors than anything that's on the market," he said.

The soybean hulls are combined with guar gum and mineral oil to create the right mix for an effective kitty litter.

Test results published this year show the soybean hull-based litter works as well or better than four of the leading commercial litters in reducing dust and odors. But Vaughn says it's been hard to sell companies on their idea, so far.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Inside the Swine Disease Reporting System - Dr. Guilherme Cezar

Video: Inside the Swine Disease Reporting System - Dr. Guilherme Cezar

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Guilherme Cezar from Iowa State University explains how the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS) tracks emerging disease trends in the U.S. swine industry. He outlines patterns in pathogen activity, including positive developments with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and concerning surges in PRRS variants. Gain insights into disease surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-border collaboration potential. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The Swine Disease Reporting System aggregates diagnostic lab data to monitor and interpret trends in nine major swine pathogens."

Meet the guest: Dr. Guilherme Cezar / guilhermec-veterinario-037064168 is a veterinarian and Ph.D. candidate in Veterinary Preventive Medicine at Iowa State University, where he also serves as the Coordinator of the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS). With a strong background in swine health, biotechnology, and field epidemiology, he focuses on infectious disease trends and data-driven solutions.