Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an organic product that is mined in the western United States. It was formed from trillions of microscopic one-cell algae called diatoms, which wove tiny shells for themselves out of the silica they extracted from sea water. As the diatoms died, these shells settled in deposits at the bottom of the ancient lakes and lagoons. When these dried up and the sea receded, the deposits were fossilized and compressed into a soft chalky rock, which is surface mined and crushed into a powder looking much like flour. DE particles are characterized by their irregular shapes - generally spiny structures and pitted surface area.

DE can be safely fed to animals or used as a dust or spray for parasite control. The microscopically sharp edges of the product contact the offending organism and pierce their protective coatings. The parasites then dry out in a few hours and die.

DE has been approved by EPA as a feed additive. It has been used for over 25 years as a natural wormer for livestock. DE will help to take care of the coccidia along with the worms. The coccidia will never become immune to the DE as could happen with Deccox that is in many feeds. DE is also good for the soil and contains trace minerals that are good for the animals.

Diatomaceous Earth can be added to any mineral at a very economical cost. The cost of feeding DE in the mineral is ONLY $.01 per head per day. Feeding mineral containing DE will assist in the control of ticks and flies as well as the internal worms. It appears from tests that feeding DE for 45 days will significantly reduce the worm and coccidia count in cattle at a cost of only one cent per head per day - greatly less than the cost of other commercial wormers!!

DE has also been proved in tests to provide greater protein utilization by animals that consume it in their diets. Most tests show a 10% - 15% increase in protein utilization whether that be from pasture or a dry lot diet.

For questions or additional information: Call Min Mix Minerals at 1-800-530-5442 or E mail at [email protected] or [email protected]