Fanciers I am hearing a lot of questions about Diatomaceous Earth and want to let every one know that I have several good articles on that on my email. Will be willing to share. It is a fossil flour made from mined fossils beds in Arizona and then ground into fossil flour. The diatoms of the skeltons of the fossils prick the skins of the soft skined bugs and worms and they die from dehydration. It is good for maintaining your poultry and animals by spreading a little DE over the feed daily for them and or like chickens can feed it mixed with grit in free hoice.This is a very natual way to rid the birds and animals of mites, lice and worms. now one must first have the bird or animal worm free then with the continues usage of the DE daily it will keep the bird and animal healthier and free of pests. Thus the birds and animals lay better, milk better and gain weight faster. email me at frizzlebird@yahoo.com Glenda L. heywood htp;//www.nationalpoultrynews.com

-- Glenda L. Heywood (frizzlebird@yahoo.com), April 26, 2001

Answers

Response to Diatomaceous Earth full information

Where do you buy DE? I'm in Tennessee. The places i've checked don't have it, don't even know what it is. Thanks for any and all help.

-- Dian (rhoffman@nctc.com), April 26, 2001.

Response to Diatomaceous Earth full information

I get mine at the feed mill. Make sure to get feed grade tho. Sometimes its called rare earth.

-- john (natlivent@pcpros.net), April 26, 2001.

Response to Diatomaceous Earth full information

DE is not new; It's been in the earth since there WAS earth! It has been used for a couple of thousand years. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains of unicellular algae-like plants called diatoms. These plants have been part of the earth's ecology since prehistoric times. Diatoms are basic to the oceanic cycle, and the food for minute animal life which in turn becomes the food for higher forms of marine life.

As living plants, diatoms weave microscopic shells from the silica they extract from the water, then as they die, deposits are formed and then fossilized in what are now dried lake and ocean beds. The material is then mined, ground and screened to various grades, for the countless uses in today's products and processes, from toothpaste to cigars, plastics to paprika, filter media in swimming pools to home fish tanks, as well as insect and parasite control in animals and grains.

The insecticidal quality of of food grade DE is due to the razor sharp edges of the diatom remains. When DE comes contact with the insects, the sharp edges lacerate the bug's waxy exoskeleton and then the powdery DE absorbs the body fluids causing death from dehydration. Said more simply, DE kills insects by drying them up. There is no residual danger of contamination. In fact, DE is actually beneficial to the soil; it's loaded with trace minerals.

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural (not calcined or flux calcined) compound with many elements which include: Silicon Dioxide, Aluminum Oxide, Iron Oxide, Calcium Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Other Oxides. Semi quantitive spectrographic analysis of other elements: Copper 2ppm, Strontium 100ppm, Titanium 1800ppm, Manganese 200ppm, Sodium 2000ppm, Vanadium 500ppm, Boron 50ppm, Zirconium 200ppm.

FILTER grade DE is used in swimming pool filters. It is ground different and heated. Therefore, it will not kill insects, but COULD kill your critters. FOOD grade DE is approved by the FDA, EPA, USDA. Food grade DE is sold in feed stores and garden/nursery stores.

There really is no down side to Diatomaceous Earth, except inhaling it! Like any flour type product, don't stick your nose in the bag and inhale! Folks with respiratory problems who use DE in a non-ventilated area might wear a mask.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), April 27, 2001.

Response to Diatomaceous Earth full information

If you've eaten anything made with flour (like Bisquick, cake mixes, etc.), you've eaten DE.

The University of Illinois School of Veterinary medicine has stated that nothing enters the meat or milk. LD/50 test shows there is no damage to organs even when fed in much larger percentages then needed.

The Federal Registry of the U.S. Congress lists DE as having "no tolerance" in the storage of grain. Many vitamin companies include DE for its trace minerals. The Bio-integral Resource Center, Berkley, CA (formed in 1979 to provide practical, non-toxic and effective alternatives to a wide variety of pest problems in the U.S. & Canada) concluded that DE is not a hazard as the body can dissolve it.

The following field reports establish the virtues of DE as a parasitical, a digestive aid and a container of trace mineral. Holistically speaking, I believe that DE is a compatible natural compound of organic origin that works harmoniously with the body in ways that cannot (as in homeopathy) always be explained. We at PHD are willing to take some first steps on behalf of the industry when we feel we are reasonably sure that we can improve the wellness of the whole animal.

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF FEEDING FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DOGS

O.C. Collins, DVM

Midland Animal Clinic and Hospital

Midland, Texas

In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tablespoon/day, and under 35 lbs. 1 teaspoon/day of diatomaceous earth, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. Diatomaceous Earth controlled Ascarids (Toxacara canis), Hookworms (Anclyostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).

FIELD REPORT ON EXPERIMENTAL FEEDING OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO ZOO ANIMALS

Richard Smith, Hallwood Inc.

Animal Food Specialties

Grand Rapids, Michigan

A mixture of feed incorporating 2% diatomaceous earth was sent to three zoos for reviewuation ~ John Ball Park of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Brookfield Zoo of Chicago, Illinois; and Buffalo Zoo of Buffalo, New York.

John Ball and Buffalo Zoos reported that their black bears on the special feed showed a better coat and clearer eyes. The primates fed at the Brookfield Zoo displayed a pronounced improvement in both appearance and behavior. Stool samples taken at all three zoos showed an absence of any internal parasites - adult or egg. Parasites in these animals were present prior to using the diatomaceous earth food mixture.

TEST RESULTS FROM FEEDING A 5% RATION OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO RODENTS

Eldridge M. Burke, Ph. D.

Arizona State University

Division of Life Sciences

Tempe, Arizona

Comparison of test and control groups of rats where test and control groups were fed identical rations, i.e. 5% food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). Significant differences were manifested in weight gains. The DE tested group of males had an average weekly gain of 6.4% over the control group of male animals. There was no evidence observed relative to residual silica content of the test versus control animals.

NOTE: The DE apparently had some growth stimulating effect during the early growth period. From a chemical analysis viewpoint it becomes apparent that many of the trace elements present are the same elements necessary for cell growth and metabolism. A second factor that may have influenced the growth rate is the property for the absorbability of the food grade DE.

Although hypothetical at this time, it may be that food was absorbed into the surface of the diatom particles. This would assist in the enzyme action with the result of greater products of digestion being available to the animals.

RESULTS OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FED TO HORSES

Four Winds Stables

Robert D. Horkman

Orlando, Florida

Results of feeding 5 oz./day of diatomaceous earth to show horses for a period of one year:

Healthier-looking animals with a definite sheen to their coats, absence of internal parasites, better feed conversion, reduction in manure odor, fly control, cured scours in cases where other medications had failed and improved appetites in "picky eaters."

REPORT ON FEEDING FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO WALKING HORSES

L. Thomas, Trainer

L. Frank Roper Stables

Winter Garden, Florida

With horses fed approximately 5 oz. of diatomaceous earth mixed in the feed twice daily, the following results were observed:

1. Stopped scours even on horses that had not responded to any other medications.

2. Noticeable fly reduction.

3. Horses showed an increase in appetites.

4. Weight gain due to better feed conversion.

5. Reduction in manure odor.

6. Elimination of any internal parasites.

7. Healthier appearance.

STUDY OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH IN FEED PIGS

M. F. Petty, DVM

Alabama

Results were as follows:

1. No internal parasites were discovered in the test group at any time after seven days of the DE.

2. All hogs on DE stopped rooting and destroying the wooden feeder after 10 days.

3. By the end of the third week the odor of the test group was noticeably less offensive than the control group.

4. At the end of six weeks the fly population decreased markedly.

RESULTS OF THE USE OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH WITH POULTRY

C.S. Mangen, DVM

San Diego, California

Using two groups of birds with each group consisting of 8,000 white leghorn caged layers in their pullet year which had been producing for five months. After feeding the test group 60 lbs. of diatomaceous earth per 1-1/2 tons of standard mixed feed (17% protein) for 2-1/2 months the following results were observed:

1. There appeared to be less flies around the test group.

2. Droppings are of a drier consistency, making for easier cleaning of the house.

3. Seventy-five percent less deaths in the test group.

4. A 2-4 case per day increase in egg production by the test group compared to the control group.

ORGAN ANALYSIS OF DAIRY COWS

Michigan Department of Agriculture

Laboratory Division

Lansing, Michigan

Upon pathological examination of the organs of dairy cows having been given free-choice feeding of food-grade diatomaceous earth for a period of approximately five years, no visible organ abnormalities were observed.

FIELD REPORT - FREE CHOICE FEEDING TO DAIRY CATTLE

Dairy Herd Association

Improvement Program

Hussey Farms

Litchfield Park, Arizona

Tests run on purebred Jersey dairy cows given free choice access to food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). Average intake was three ounces per cow per day. After six months the following results were observed:

Milk production in the test group increased over 20% with butter-fat content remaining the same.

Warbles problems came to an abrupt halt.

Feed assimilation improved and fly problems were brought under control.

FIELD REPORT - FEEDING FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DAIRY COWS

J. S. Bunker

Bunker Farms, Mesa, Arizona

After feeding 100 dairy cows on DE for approximately one year, the following results were noted:

warbles became non-existent;

fly nuisance almost completely disappeared;

odors were almost completely gone;

cows have better hair and coat condition and have no desire to lick soil as in the past;

vet bills have been significantly reduced;

butterfat content has risen from 503 lbs. per cow to 513 lbs. per cow.

FIELD REPORT - FEEDING OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DAIRY COWS

Daniel M. Brandt

McFarland, Wisconsin

Results from feeding 5 to 6 ounces of food-grade diatomaceous earth to dairy herd for a period of five weeks:

Butterfat tests have shown an increase of 3.7 to 3.9;

mastitis, which had been quite a severe problems, came under control (no new cases);

cows are brighter and healthier in appearance;

milk production has increased without an appreciable increase in feed.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), April 27, 2001.

Response to Diatomaceous Earth full information

Suggested feeding of DE:

Beef Cattle  1% of total weight of dry ration; 5% in grain

Dairy Cattle  1% of total weight of dry ration

Calves  4 grams in morning milk per calf

Chickens  5% in feed, use at full strength in dusting boxes

Hogs  2% of total feed ration, dust or spray on bedding and animals

Horses  5 ounces (1 cup) in daily feed ration

Sheep  1% in ground grains; 1 part Diatomaceous Earth to 2 parts T-M salt

Goats  1% in grain; 5% per bushel of feed: up to 50% in T-M salt

Dogs  1 Tablespoon per day in daily ration for dogs over 35 lbs.; 1 teaspoon per day in ration for small dogs and puppies, rub powder at full strength into the coat for fleas and sprinkle on bedding

Cats 1 tsp. per daily ration, rub at full strength into coat for fleas and sprinkle on bedding

Diatomaceous Earth can be used as a dust or spray for control of flies and other insects in buildings, on pastures, crops and trees. The DE will be effective once it dries.

Some folks feed DE daily by measurement, some free feed it. You can't overdose, but if enough isn't fed, it won't work.

My steer, Mammoth and hog eat it out of a bucket.

Their fecals are clean. Flies can't reproduce in the manure.

I mix the DE into the chicken feed and sprinkle the DE in the pens. No odor in the pens. No mites on the birds.

The dogs prefer the DE mixed with a bit of corn oil. No fleas on the dogs.   

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), April 27, 2001.

Response to Diatomaceous Earth full information

If you can't find food/agricultural grade Diatomaceous Earth in your local feed store or organic gardening center, I have found (so far) that this company has the best shipping prices. Just remember, if shipping a 50 pound bag, it costs as much or more for the shipping price as the price of the DE.

Marshall Grain

http://www.marshallgrain.com/mgc/mgcprods.nsf/c0ac9f0caf71c37786256907005bd816/310e0b549de67e9b862569f4006d1279!OpenDocument

(Copy/cut/paste if your browser doesn't capture the entire url)

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), April 27, 2001.

Fanciers there are two of our own people that are in the poultry and goat fancy and are dealers for the Diatomaceous Earth Called DE They sell food grade DE in smal amounts and large amounts Bill Worrell showpoultry@valink.com Briar patch farms And Gladys Miller glglmiler@aol.com They will treat you right and send thru the mail Glenda L. heywood also email me for a free sample of National Poultry news and I am sending it in May I have their ads in there and 22 pages of ads for poultry and atlernative livestock. Glenda L. Heywood frizzlebird@yahoo.com

-- Glenda l. heywood (frizzlebird@yahoo.com), April 29, 2001.

Fanciers I am sorry I miss typed Mrs Gladys Millers email Gladys Miller with DE in Lousiana

glglmiller@yahoo.com

sorry Glenda

-- Glenda L. Heywood (frizzlebird@yahoo.com), April 30, 2001.

Rogo, thank you so very much for this information. I've been gone for several weeks and checked in tonight specifically to look for this exact bit of information.

I am looking forward to a fly and flea free farm.

Laura

-- Laura (LadybugWrangler@hotmail.com), May 02, 2001.