Diatomaceous Earth - Feeding to Dairy Cows

Daniel M. Brandt, McFarland, Wisconsin

Results from feeding 5 to 6 oz. of food-grade diatomaceous earth to dairy heard 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 productio has increased without an appreciable increase in feed.


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.


Dairy Herd Association Improvement Program, Hussey Farms, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Test run on purebred Jersey dairy cows given free choice access to codex 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 imporoved and fly problems were brought under control.

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