diatamaceous earth - what is it?

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diatamaceous earth - what is it? We use a lot of a dirt type of situation, bought at the health food store.... but I don't know what it is called in english (and I can't think of the name in italian either!!!). So I am wondering if this could be the same stuff. The stuff I use may just be green clay?.

-- kelly (kellytree@hotmail.com), December 22, 2000

Answers

Kelly..What are you buying at the health food store?Is it betonite clay?Diatamaceous earth is a very very fine fossil ground up.I liken it to fiberglass insulation.You use it on plants (Gardening)or on livestock for vermin.The little bug-gers get all cut up when they crawl across it ,and because its not a chemical it is'nt harmfull.I would avoid bething it in or getting any in your mouth or eyes.I'm sure others will give you better answers. this is the farming for dumbies version(me not you in case hillbilly is reading this :o) JUst pullin your leg hillbilly.I have lots of room to be corrected.That is just my understanding of what it is and how I use it anyway.

-- teri (mrs_smurf2000@yahoo.ca), December 22, 2000.

That's what I've always heard. Maybe you ain't as dumb as you think, Teri. Then again, we could both be wrong...

-- Joe (jcole@apha.com), December 22, 2000.

I also heard that it razors the bugs, but there are two types, one is not healthy to use. There is a thread that went to the archives that explained it in detail . The thread date was May 2, 2000. It listed a lot of info and the website http://www.biconet.com/crawlers/DE.html

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), December 22, 2000.

OHHHHHHHH- Okay so I guess it isn't the stuff I use, which by the way is clalled simply argilla (clay in italian)- so I don't know what KIND of clay it is but now I know that it isn't the same as this diatamaceous stuff (Darn, that word is hard to spell- thank the holy oak god that we have copy and paste in our lives!)

-- kelly (kellytree@hotmail.com), December 23, 2000.

DE Info -1- What is Diatomaceous Earth?

DE is not new; it has been used for thousands of 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.

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.

The insecticidal quality of 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.

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, AMDA.

Food grade DE is sold in feed stores and nurseries ~ 8 ounce shaker cans and bags in varies sizes up to 50 pounds.

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 wear a mask.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), December 23, 2000.



DE Info -2- Feeding Critters Comparison

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

Diatomaceous Earth

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), December 23, 2000.


DE Info -3- Amount To Feed

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 T. per day in daily ration for dogs over 35 lbs., 1 tsp. 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.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), December 23, 2000.


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