In 2005, British researchers carried out two experiments to assess the efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) as an alternative to anthelmintics in grazing ruminants (cattle and sheep). Animals treated with anthelmintics and groups of untreated animals were included for comparison.
In the first study, 18 yearling cattle were assigned to three treatment groups: 1) control group - no treatment; 2) treatment with an anthelmintic drench prior to turnout; and 3) a daily supplement of DE (2% of daily DM intake). The duration of the study was 10 weeks.
There were no significant differences between treatment groups for live weight gain. In week 7, cattle in the control (untreated) group had higher fecal egg counts than the drench or DE groups; however, for all other weeks, fecal egg counts did not differ between the three groups.
In the second study, 45 single-bearing pregnant ewes were assigned to three treatment groups: 1) control - no treatment; 2) treatment with an anthelmintic prior to turnout (with lamb); and 3) daily supplement of DE post-lambing. The duration of the study was 8 weeks.
There were no significant differences in fecal egg counts between treatment groups prior to or post-lambing. Ewes in the DE group had heavier post-lambing live weights than ewes in the drench group, but not the control group. By 10 weeks of age, lambs from DE ewes were significantly heavier than lambs from ewes in the drench group, but there was no statistical difference between lambs in the DE and control groups.
The results of this study were consistent with other published and unpublished studies: DE does not have an effect on parasite loads as measured by eggs per gram of feces.
Source: The Inclusion of Diatomaceous Earth in the Diet of Grazing Ruminants and its Effect on Gastrointesintal Parasite Burdens. International Society of Organic Agriculture Research. 2005 Conference.
In the first study, 18 yearling cattle were assigned to three treatment groups: 1) control group - no treatment; 2) treatment with an anthelmintic drench prior to turnout; and 3) a daily supplement of DE (2% of daily DM intake). The duration of the study was 10 weeks.
In the second study, 45 single-bearing pregnant ewes were assigned to three treatment groups: 1) control - no treatment; 2) treatment with an anthelmintic prior to turnout (with lamb); and 3) daily supplement of DE post-lambing. The duration of the study was 8 weeks.
There were no significant differences in fecal egg counts between treatment groups prior to or post-lambing. Ewes in the DE group had heavier post-lambing live weights than ewes in the drench group, but not the control group. By 10 weeks of age, lambs from DE ewes were significantly heavier than lambs from ewes in the drench group, but there was no statistical difference between lambs in the DE and control groups.
The results of this study were consistent with other published and unpublished studies: DE does not have an effect on parasite loads as measured by eggs per gram of feces.
Source: The Inclusion of Diatomaceous Earth in the Diet of Grazing Ruminants and its Effect on Gastrointesintal Parasite Burdens. International Society of Organic Agriculture Research. 2005 Conference.
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