Agri-Safe, Inc , supplier of diatomaceous earth in its
purest form, created a lot of attention at the recent Pa Farm
Show in Harrisburg It was amazing to find out that so many
people are really aware of all the chemicals being presented
to our animals and how interested our farmers are in trying to
find alternative methods of treating our livestock and pets
Melvin & Elaine Schumaker, distributing Agri-Safe under
the name of Agri-Safe of the Northeast, could not believe all
the interest shown at booth 622 at the Pa Farm Show, when
they presented this product to the area farmers Some
farmers had heard of diatomaceous earth before, but many
had never heard of the product
Most of the following information is by Carol Manly, B S in
Range Animal Science, Sul Ross State University, Alpine,
Texas Exactly what is diatomaceous earth 7 It is a white,
odorless powder which comes from a mineral deposit called
diatomite Some people mistake it for some type of calcite or
limestone, but even though it is a fossil deposit, it is the
mineral remains of single-celled freshwater algae, or diatoms
Whereas limestone is primarily calcium, diatomite is primarily
silicon dioxide, with a beneficial sprinkling of essential
minerals DE is simply the fossil remains of diatoms, or one
celled algae A single particle of diatomaceous earth is bristly
in appearance Each one-celled diatom spent its entire life
(less than two weeks) extracting trace minerals that were in
solution in the water that it lived in, using these minerals to
construct a tiny shell around itself About 85% of this mineral
shell is composed of silicon, in the form of silicon dioxide The
remaining 15% consists of boron, aluminum, manganese,
magnesium, gallium, iron, calcium, vanadium, copper, codium,
titanium, zirconium, and strongium This bristly mineral shell
settled to the bottom of the lake once the algae died Vast
quantities of these empty shells collected on the lake bed to
form deep deposits of diatomite 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, from whence comes
DE
Though numerous types of DE exist, the one suitable for
livestock producers and pet owners is called codex food
grade diatomaceous earth Other deposits of diatomite, the
soft, whitish rock which is pulverized into the white powder
known as diatomaceous earth, but a lesser quality product,
become industrial grade, and end up in cans of paint and
other industrial applications Still other diatomite may be
crushed, heated, and crystallized to become the product used
for pool filters. That is why it is imperative to purchase the
proper type of diatomaceous earth
Food grade DE, with its tiny bristles and hollow shell, is
perfectly designed for desiccation, or the extraction of
moisture from its surroundings So how does DE kill internal
parasites, which live in the water-filled world of animals'
intestines 7 The most popular theory is that the DE particles
irritate the thin “skin" of the parasite, causing it to dislodge and
die It is the physical structure of each individual algal
“skeleton” which enables it to perform its most important
function, the destruction of parasites How does it work?
Though no one knows for sure, the popular theory is that the
starburst or bristle formation of the ten to twelve micron DE
particle irritates the lining of the parasite. Whether it is
attached or traversing somewhere in the alimentary canal, the
parasite is adversely affected by the irritating DE, and either
releases Its grip and is passed through, or it fails to ever
attach to the intestinal lining. Codex Food Grade
Diatomaceous earth does not irritate the animal’s organs due
to the thickness of the epithelial lining, or thick mucus coating
Though DE is incapable of desiccating the worms eggs which
pass out in the feces of infected animals, they can be
destroyed by treating pastures and pens with DE It will dry up
and destroy the eggs, thus lowering the incidence of
reinfestation, and thus help to break the parasite cycle. The
DE which is passed out of the animal in the feces retains its
beneficial qualities. Once the manure is dry, any fly eggs
which are deposited in the manure and which are exposed to
the DE in the dry manure will also be desiccated and die. It is
a good idea to supplementary treat pastures at the same time
that animals are being wormed with DE so the reinfestation is
further limited in this way.
When DE is dusted atop and around an ant mound, the
ants walk through it and DE attaches to their bodies. Ants
have a relatively hard exoskeleton as compared to other
"juicy" insects, such as roaches or crickets, which have a
softer shell. However, all insects have external skeletons,
composed of chitm (pronounced kylm). Diatomaceous earth
adheres to the smooth waxy surface of the insect’s body, and
the bristly DE scratches the protective surface, allowing
moisture from body fluids to escape. DE further facilitates its
desiccation by drawing water into its hollow shell, where it can
store up to three times its weight in water This is how it kills
external parasites such as lice and fleas, and also how it kills
garden pests and other unwanted insects.
Test results indicate that diatomaceous earth that has been
found to be the most efficient at killing internal parasites is
between ten and twelve microns in size. In the past, there had
been a problem with the consistency of the micron size of
food grade DE, which resulted in a non-uniform product and
sometimes sporadic efficiency as a wormer. However, new
manufacturing technology has resulted in a product of uniform
micron size, hence more uniform performance
Before purchasing DE, make sure that it has been filtered
for a range of 10 to 12 microns. The label should also specify
that the product is amorphous, meaning that it contains less
than 1% crystalline silica, and that it is FDA and USDA
approved. The most superior food grade diatomaceous earth
contains less than 1/2 (.5) of one percent crystalline silica,
such as found in Agri-Safe.
Agri-Safe can be safely fed to animals, or used as a dust
spray, for parasite control. This action is strictly mechanical.
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
In addition to its ability to control internal parasites,
AGRI-SAFE • A NATURAL DEWORMER
THE MANY USES OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH.
Agri-Safe of the Northeast 1-888-765-2220
Your Northeast Agri-Safe Distributor of Food Grade Fresh Water Diatomaceous Earth
Melvin & Elaine Schumaker Evenings & Weekends (610) 756-3412
producers have also noted other benefits For instance, while
recently visiting the goat farm of Andy Cook in Columbia,
South Carolina, two young goats were brought in from the
pasture, nearly dead from bloat One in fact, did succomb
before anything could be done for it The other was drenched
with D E and water, and began recovering By the next day it
was perfectly healthy, with no signs of bloat The D E drench
had saved the dying kid
Several producers have mentioned "that goats fed
diatomaceous earth have no scour problems One goat
producer in Mississippi did state that her goats were so
heavily infested with worms that they all had some degree of
scouring as the parasites were dislodging We believe that
this is probably a natural part of the purging process, heavily
infested goals are going to scour until the worms pass, after
which their systems return to normal, with no losses due to
scours Mortalities due to scours have ceased in all the D E
herds from all reporting slates. For producers of show goats,
the good news is that the addition of D E to the goat’s rations
will produce animals with shinier coats and clearer eyes
Keeping animals worm-free without relying on stress
producing chemical toxins in the diet (coupled with the trace
minerals found in D E ) result in healthier, more robust
animals
Independent university studies have been conducted using
Agri-Safe in various livestock studies They include Prairie
View A & M University, Texas, with Dr Barbara Johnson, the
University of Nebraska, with Dr Terry Kloppenstem; the
Louisiana State University, Dr Miller, Texas A & M University,
Dr Pinkerton, Alcorn State University (in Mississippi) with Dr
Daggert, Fort Valley State University (Georgia), Dr Will Getz,
and Clemson University (South Carolina) Dr George Smith
An organ analysis of Dairy Cows was performed at the
Michigan Department of'Agriculture Laboratory Division,
Lansing, Michigan Upon pathological examination of the
organs of dairy cows having been given freechoice feeding of
codex food-grade diatomaceous earth for a period of
approximately five years, no visible organ abnormalities were
observed
A field report on possible hazards of feeding DE to dairy
cattle was done at the University of Illinois, College of
Veterinary When a 2% ration of codex foodgrade
diatomaceous earth was incorporated into the feed of dairy
cattle, there was no evidence of absorption nor did any
residue of the product appear in the milk
A field report on free choice feeding to dairy cattle
performed by the Dairy Herd Association Improvement
Program, Hussey Farms, Litchfield Park, Az, showed that
tests run on purebred Jersey dairy cows given free choice
access to codex foodgrade diatomaceous earth, with an
average intake of three (3) ounces per cow per day, after six
(6) months, the following results were observed Milk
production in the test group increased over 20% with butterfat
remaining the same Warbles problem came to an abrupt halt
Feed assimilation improved and fly control problems were
brought under control
A field report feeding D E to Dairy Cows at J S Bunker
Farms, Mesa, AZ showed after feeding 100 dairy cows on
D E 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 lb. per cow to
513 lb per cow.
A field report on dairy cows by Daniel M. Brandy,
McFarland, Wi. resulted 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 problem, came under
control (no new cases), cows are brighter and healthier in
appearance and milk production has increased without an
appreciable increase in feed.
Results of D.E. fed to horses by Four Winds Stables,
Robert D Horkman, Orlando. Florida. Results of feeding 5
ounces 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.
Study of D.E. on feed pigs by M. F. Petty, D.V.M., Alabama
resulted in no internal parasites discovered in the test group
at any time after seven days on the D E. All hogs on D. E.
stopped rooting and destroying the wooden feeder after 10
days; By the end of the third week, the odor of the test group
was noticably less offensive than the control group, and at the
end of six weeks, the fly population decreased remarkedly
Results of feeding D. E. to poultry by C.S. Morgan, D VM.
San Diego, Ca. 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 D.E. per 1-1/2 tons of standard mixed
teed (17% protein) for 1-1/2 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 houses
3. Seventy-ffve percent less deaths in the test groups
4. A 2-4 case per day increase in egg production by the
test group, compared to the control group.
Clinical observation of feeding D.E. to dogs by O. C.
Collins, D.V.M. Midland Animal Clinic and Hospital, Midland,
Tx. In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1
tablespoon a day and under 35 lbs. 1 teaspoon a day of D.E ,
within seven days all ova disappeared from stools.
Diatomaceous Earth controlled Ascarlds (Toxacara Cants),
Hookworm (Ancylostoma canmym), and Whipworms
(Tnchuns vulipis).
Field report on experimental feeding of D.E. on Zoo
Animals by Richard Smith, Hailwood Inc., Animal Food
Specialties, Grand Rapids, Mi
Lancaster Fanning, Saturday
A mixture of feed incorporating 2% Diatomaceous Earth was
sent to three Zoos for evaluation John Ball Park of Grand
Rapids, Michigan, Brookfield Zoos of Chicago, 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 cleared 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
The many uses of Diatomaceous Earth
1 As a dust against fleas, lice and other external pests on
dogs, cats, pigs, and chickens, horses, cattle Use full strength
as a powder, rub into dog or cats coats, sprinkle on pigs, dust
on horses and cattle, and add to dusting boxes for chickens
2 DE can be used as a dust or spray to control massed flies
in pastures, on ground, in buildings and on manure piles Due
to its fine powder nature, it is best applied at night when the air
is calm Dust on 15 -20 pounds per acre (20-25 pounds in
quiet air) For liquid spray, mix two pounds per gallon of water
and agitate while using
3 When used on stored grains and seeds, it can replace
chemicals like malathion The most effective protection is
achieved if gram or seeds are treated immediately after
harvest by lightly coating the outside of substantially all
kernels or seeds with the DE dust This is best done by
applying the powder directly as it is moved into storage The
rate is seven pounds per ton Barley, corn, buckwheat, oats,
rice, rye, wheat, sorghum, and mixtures of these grains may
be treated in this manner
4 Dusting yards like pastures or animal enclosures can
work against a wide variety of lawn pests While spreading is
suitable for grass and trees, spraying should be used on
shrubs or other plants Place a teaspoon of flaxsoap (dish
soap) in a quart of warm water and add 4 ounces D E Keep
the solution agitated when using it
5 To protect fruit trees, sprinkle a liberal amount of DE on
the ground and around the trunks Also paint the trunks with
the mixture of flax-soap (dish soap) DE and water The
protective buffer zone will impede the migration of various fruit
trees flies and worms, as well as Japanese beetles You may
need to spread DE several times a year for continued control,
particularly after heavy ram
6 DE is not harmful to earthworms, since they are
structurally different from insects In fact, some earthworm
growers use DE in the bedding material to control parasites in
it and in the earthworms
7 For internal use, suggested feeding rates are
Beef Cattle -2% by weight of total dry rations as
maintenance
4% for 10 days as a worm purge
Calves - 1 oz in morning milk
Dairy Cattle -4% by weight of daily rations
Poultry -5% in feed
Large Dogs - (Over 35 lbs ) 1 tablespoon per day in food
Small Dogs - (Under 35 lbs ) 1 teaspoon per day in food
Cats -1 teaspoon per day in food
Hogs - Same as beef cattle
Horses - 5 oz daily in gram ration per horse
Sheep - Same as beef cattle
Goats - Same as beef cattle
As a spray on livestock 50 lb DE to 100 gallons of water
(Keep agitated)
As a drench 2 parts DE to 1 part water
Joel Salatm, a raiser of organic beef near Swoope, Virginia,
reported excellent results by using a free choice mixture of
one part Stocker salt, one part natural kelp, and one half part
DE.
For pasture livestock'
As a purge - 60% DE, 20% corn meal or cotton seed meal
(dry molasses may be substituted for meal) and 20% salt or
mineralized salt
As a maintenance - 60% DE, 40% salt or mineralized salt
A recent university study was done on Agri-Safe at the
Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas by Dr
Barbara Johnson Three groups of goats were treated with
diatomaceous earth for ten days at 5% of diet
Pre-Treatment
Group A 1 Roundworms - 300 epg Coccidia -21 OOepg
Group B. Roundworms - 600 epg Coccidia -to numerous to count
Group C Roundworms - 0 Coccidia - 20,100 epg
Post-Treatment-
Group A Roundworms - 0 Coccidia - 800 epg
Groupß Roundworms - 0 Coccidia -12,OOOepg
Group C Roundworms - 0 Coccidia - 2,200 epg
The results speak for themselves
Daily use by many has seen an absence of bloat, colic,
coccidiosis, acidosis, mastitis, lice, ticks, fleas, heel flies, horn
flies, house flies, and other insects along with a dramatic
reduction in use of chemicals to control internal and external
parasites Agri-Safe is a safe, environmentally friendly
alternative to chemicals.
IN THE GARDEN.
Diatomaceous Earth is an effective alternative to toxic
chemical insecticides Diatomaceous Earth (D E ) helps
control some of the most persistent and annoying insects in
the garden and in the home It is very effective in mite and ant
control, it controls spider mites, aphids, centipedes, millipedes,
other crawling insects It can be used indoors and outdoors for
ants, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, and termites In home, it
controls carpet beetles, bedbugs, and silverfish. When soft
bodies insects come in contact with D.E , it causes massive
loss of body fluids and they die When the dust is eaten by
insects, the D E. inhibits breathing, digestion and
reproduction Because it kills by mechanical action rather than
poison, insects have not developed immunity D E is a great
asset to your garden insect control and is safe and
environmentally friendly Organic gardeners and organic
farmers love it.
February 6. 1999-D25