Appendix

Not all insects have the same sensitivity to inert dusts, although there are different rankings among studies of grain insects, overall the rankings are with the most to the least susceptible to DE : Cryptolestes spp, Oryzaephilus spp, Sitophilus spp, Rhyzopertha dominica(F) and Tribolium spp. There are several possible reasons for these differences.

Insects that can use metabolic water would be less sensitive to inert dusts. Those that have a better reabsorption of intestinal water would have an advantage, as well as those that have a more waterproof cuticle. The composition of the cuticular waxes is important .For instance a sensitive species such as Cryptolestes ferrugineus (stephens) picks up much more diatomaceous earth than Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) / (Fields and Korunic 1999).

Behaviour may also play a role; insects that move extensively through grain such as C. ferrugineus may be more damaged than more sedentary insects such as R dominica. Insects may be repelled by DE and this may be an important consideration when only part of the grain is treated, such as top dressing. Finally, the type of grain also determines the efficacy; in decreasing order for the amount of DE needed to obtain control: milled rice needs more than (>) sunflower, which needs > maize, which needs > paddy rice, which needs > oats, which needs > barley, which needs > wheat, which needs > durum.

MORE DETAILS OF DE SAFETY AND EFFICACY IN LIVESTOCK

The University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine has stated that nothing enters the milk or meat in animals used for human consumption. There is no damage to organs even when fed in much larger percentages than needed.

The Federal Registry of the US Congress lists DE as having “no tolerance” in the storage of grain. This means that the FDA has ruled that food grade DE contains NO synthetic chemicals that could leave residues in the body and it contains no chemicals which might cause cancer or other diseases. Many vitamin companies include DE in their vitamin formulae for its trace minerals.

The following field reports establish the virtues of DE as a parasitical and digestive aid

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 35lbs.1 tablespoon /day of diatomaceous earth, within 7 days all ova disappeared from stools. Diatomaceous earth controlled Ascaraids(Toxocara canis), Hookworms(Ancylostoma 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 evaluation, 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 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 behaviour.

Stool samples at all three zoos showed an absence of any internal parasites-adult or egg. Parasites were present in these animals 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 fed the same feed rations, but test animals being fed 5% food grade D. 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 growth and metabolism. of the DE. 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 actionwith 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 5oz per 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 odour, 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 5oz (one cup) 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 other medications
2. Noticeable fly reduction
3. Horses showed an increase in appetite
4. Weight gain due to better feed conversion
5. Reduction in manure odour
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 7 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 odour of the test group was noticeably less offensive than the control group.

At the end of six weeks the fly population decreased markedly.

RESULTS OF THE USE OF FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FOR POULTRY, FOWL OR EXOTIC BIRDS
C.S Mangen, DVM, Sandiego, California.

Using two groups of birds each consisting of 8,000 white leghorn caged layers in their pullet year which had been producing for 5 months. After feeding the test group 60lbs 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 groups
2. Droppings were of a drier consistency, making for easier cleaning of the house.
3. Seventy five % less deaths in the DE test group.
4. A 2-4 case per day increase in egg production by the test group of hens compared the control group
5. Feathers enhanced with brighter colours and better condition.
6. Elimination of flying moths and worms in feed bins.
7. In some cases cannibelism was halted.

ORGAN ANALYSIS OF DAIRY COWS by Laboratory Division Michigan Department of Agriculture, 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 Prgram, Hussey Farms, Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Tests run on purebred Jersey dairy cows given free choice access to food-grade diatomaceous earth. Average intake was 3 ounces per cow per day. After six months the following results were observed :

1. Milk production in the test group increased over 20% with butter-fat content remaining the same.
2. Warbles problems came to an abrupt halt
3.  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

1. Warbles became non-existent
2. Fly nuisance almost completely disappeared.
3. Odours were almost completely gone.
4. Cows have better hair and coat condition and have no dsire to lick soil as in the past.
5. Vet bills have been signifcantly reduced
6. Butterfat content has risen from 503lbs 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 5 weeks.

1. Butterfat tests have shown an increase of 3.7 to3.9.
2. Mastitis, which had been quite a severe problem, came under control (no new cases)
3. Cows are brighter and healthier in appearance
4. Milk production has increased without an appreciable increase in feed.