I have never used Zinc Valerate Powder? Advertisement's say it stimulates lure and bait odors during the aging process. A very good preservative for fresh products that also gives a mild odor of Valerian. Good in coyote lures etc.
It does sound like a good product although more expensive then Sodium Benzoate & Methyl Paraben. They say to use 1/2 to 1oz. ZVP per gallon of bait/lure.
I do have some on hand now and plan to use it to preserve coyote glands when they are done ageing. What do you all think about Zinc Valerate? Does it stimulate odors, is it a good preservative?

I also looked it up zinc valerate cost is up there! I have some SB on hand and borax.

This might be crazy, but I did a taste test on them. Zinc VP came in First, Sodium B. was a close Second and Methyl P. was Last place by Far!! It made my tongue go numb. I only say this because I want some of my Baits & Lures to smell & taste good at the same time.

I tested the effects of SB one time on about 10 test sets. It actually looked like it might of improved the attraction of formulations. Wasn't a taste test just testing by there nose done dirt holes. I do use ZV but just in glands.

If your thinking of using borax in a bait or lure I'd test the results, I've heard nothing good about it as a preservative.

Yes Sir, thank you very much for the info. I agree with you on the borax. It is better used to clean bobcat fur.

Borax is horrible tasting! I definitely wouldn't use it. It is a good preservative however in my tests.

People put a pinch in a quart of water and drink it because of the boron which is good for your bones.

Borax is a good preservative but it imparts a very strong soapy taste to stuff.

Definitely don’t want to use it for getter dope or anything placed where the animal can potentially taste it before theyre caught as they won’t likely want a second taste!

Yes this is what I am trying avoid is bad tasting ingredients to the coyotes? One of the reasons I wanted to try Zinc Valerate as a preservative on lure they can reach or lick / bite. Hopefully they are caught before they do much tasting. Heavy use of Salt might be bad also.

Heavy use of salt is a big no no if palatability is of concern. Much like borax in that aspect.

Not to mention it’s high attraction to livestock and non-targets.

When first started making bait and lure bought from several dealers Zinc Valerate. Not even close to the real deal cut severely. I can just eyeball stuff and you can tell if they are using the real stuff. My 2cents! Costly but worth every penny!

Thank you everyone for your input it is worth way more then 2 cent's!! The ZV I have was purchased from Grawes Lures. I hope it is the good stuff? Time will tell.
How good is Zinc Valerate at preventing Mold in Bait's? Is it any better then Sodium Benzoate?

Zinc V. is generally used by more seasoned formulators that know how best to use it. Sodium Benzoate has no mold retarding properties. If seeking mold prevention in meats and organics you must use products that do just that.

If you have a S/B preserved meat/protein product of any kind that sits around for a while at room temperature, you will see the mold develop on the meat and the container sides above the product. Some meats can also develop mold hot spots within the layers of the meat particularly if you haven't blended the material well.

Bob Thank You! On Baits for the last few years I have been using 1 cup S/B and 1oz. Methyl P. per gallon of bait, with good results.
Well its' looking like Zinc V. might be a good preservative / enhancer to use on glands/lures? I am looking forward to giving it a try.

Yes Zinc V. can be used as you have described. Some formulas it may a good choice while others not so much. TIme in using it will teach you the differences.

Thanks' again Bob and Everyone else!!