does anyone feed

[Pearce Pastures]

I like research studies best for making choices like this....

The effectiveness of diatomaceous earth (DE) as a treatment against parasites and to increase feed efficiency and egg production of organically raised free-range layer hens was evaluated in 2 breeds of commercial egg layers [Bovan Brown (BB) and Lowmann Brown (LB)] that differ in their resistance to internal parasitic infections. Half the hens of each breed were fed diets supplemented with DE (2%).

Their internal parasite loads were assessed by biweekly fecal egg counts (FEC) and by postmortem examination of the gastrointestinal tract.

Supplementing DE in diets of LB hens, the more parasite-resistant breed, did not significantly affect their FEC and adult parasite load.
However, BB hens treated with dietary DE had significantly lower Capillaria FEC, slightly lower Eimeria FEC, fewer birds infected with Heterakis, and significantly lower Heterakis worm burden than control BB hens.

Both BB and LB hens fed the diet containing DE were significantly heavier, laid more eggs, and consumed more feed than hens fed the control diet, but feed efficiency did not differ between the 2 dietary treatments. Additionally, BB hens consuming the DE diet laid larger eggs containing more albumen and yolk than hens consuming the control diet. In a subsequent experiment, the effectiveness of DE to treat a Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) infestation was tested. Relative to controls, both breeds of hens that were dusted with DE had reduced number of mites. The results of this study indicate the DE has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control parasites and improve production of organically raised, free-range layer hens.

 

[madcow]

I've read some studies about DE and it doesn't work on internal parasites for larger animals, but works pretty well on chickens for external parasites. The studies did show that it works well to control fly populations. I have the flour grade, edible DE and sprinkle it in my chicken coop and run area and will be using in the goat pen to help control flies. It works well in your garden to control insects as long as you don't get it on the plants themselves because of its highly drying effect. You must be careful when you use it because of the lung irritant factor if inhaled, so use a particulate mask when applying it in a loose manner, such as with a shaker or dusting. I purchase it in 50-lb. bags from arbico-organics.com. Very inexpensive.

 

[pdpo222]

I put some into the feed bags. It kills off the weevils and other insects. I was just reading about feeding it to the animals as an wormicide. I'm about to run out of Hoegers Herbal Wormer and it is on back order. Then it takes over a month to get it here. I was going to order some and have it come via freight forwarder. Now I'm not so sure. Not much available locally.

Any other comments on using it for goats, dogs and cats?

My vet was just saying today that DE was studied in sheep, and it did nothing for worms- NOT effective at getting rid of any internal parasites. I figure its probably true for most, if not all animals.

Also, please be VERY careful adding DE to feed- it is made of very sharp particulate matter, it is NOT supposed to be inhaled, at all. Animals do breathe while eating, and could sniff it into the nose and lungs.
Same with bedding...

I think the bag carries a warning about breathing it in, that its bad for your lungs.

I think its great for drying stuff up, and Ive used it in my chicken coop to dry up poo between cleanings, but never in feed or on bodies of any animal.

You will hear from people who swear it works, and thats fine. Before you use anything, look up the negative reviews, read both sides of the fences' opinions and experiences, then decide for yourself.

DE is just a very controversial subject.

I agree. I would rather buy the wormer and know it is working than screw around with something I'm not sure of. It's not like I get a big payday with my goats, so wasting money isn't my thing. lol I'll keep up what I do, last fecal I took to my vet on my buck was negative. So I know what I do is working for me. Just how I do it.

 

[Chris]

I agree with the others that said that it is a wast of money.
Diatomaceous Earth does kill internal parasites.

Chris

You agree with them, but say it does kill parasites... So why do you agree if you say it works?

Sorry, that should have does not kill internal parasites.

Chris

 

[Chris]

Here is a quote from Dr. Christine King

Diatomaceous earth
"One of the most commonly used ingredients in these natural dewormers is diatomaceous earth or
diatomite. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, chalky rock that, when crushed,
yields a fine, light-grey powder. It consists of fossilized remains of tiny hard-shelled algae called
diatoms. Owing to their high content of crystalline silica, diatomite is mildly abrasive.
In fact, that is the mechanism by which diatomite is purported to kill intestinal parasites. It is
believed that the abrasive micro-surfaces of the diatomite cut the outer membranes of the
parasites like thousands of tiny blades. But I question that premise. Industrial-grade diatomite
has a high silica content and is used as a mild abrasive. However, food-grade diatomite has a
much lower content of crystalline silica, so it is minimally abrasive.
And even if the abrasion theory is valid, then what does this stuff do to the delicate lining of
the digestive tract? While I could not find even one scientific study which validates the use of
diatomite against internal parasites in horses or other livestock, my search did turn up several
articles documenting the health risks of chronic exposure to diatomite. When inhaled, it causes
inflammation of the airways and, with chronic exposure, even some fibrosis (scarring).
Even more concerning was a study which showed that chronic oral intake of diatomite can
damage the intestinal lining, altering its absorptive properties and making it more permeable to
potentially harmful substances. So, it seems to me that the practice of using diatomaceous earth
as a daily dewormer for horses is either useless but harmless or useful but harmful, depending on
the grade of diatomite used.''

Chris