Using-Diatomaceous-Earth-as-a-Bison-Feed-Additive

Diatomaceous Earth Bison Feed Additive – Helpful Benefits?

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Supplement ReviewSilica & Diatomaceous Earth

There are many factors that can render bison feed unusable. If stored incorrectly, bison feed can become excessively damp, causing fungus, mold, mildew and rot. Insect pests also like to infest the dry food used as bison feed, and are difficult to prevent.

Many of the most commonly used preservative agents designed to protect bison feed from either rot or insects contain potentially harmful chemicals that can negatively impact the health of your livestock.

Diatomaceous earth, or DE, has a number of properties that make it a highly effective natural bison feed additive. DE is mined from mineral deposits formed from the remains of ancient lake beds, streams, and rivers.

These deposits contain the fossilized remains of ancient aquatic plant life called diatoms. Over millions of years, these deposits are converted through mineralization into a powdery substance that is composed of over 85% silica.

The silica content of diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent and abrasive. These properties are what makes diatomaceous earth such an effective feed additive.

When added to bison feed, diatomaceous earth will absorb any excess moisture content, preventing the formation of rot, fungus or mold.

DE also acts as a powerful chemical-free insecticide. When insect feed pests encounter diatomaceous earth, the fine silica particles bind to their exoskeleton and wear away their protective outer coating, absorbing the moisture from inside their bodies and fatally dehydrating them.

The fine powdery nature of diatomaceous earth also makes it a powerful anti-caking agent, and the trace mineral content of the substance offers a significant boost in critical mineral nutrients for your livestock.

In this article, we’ll provide a simple step-by-step process that details the best method of adding diatomaceous earth to your bison feed.

What You’ll Need

Step 1: Choose The Right Diatomaceous Earth Grade

The most important step in adding diatomaceous earth to your bison feed is making sure you’ve chosen the right grade of DE.

There are several grades of diatomaceous earth, of which some can be extremely hazardous to both human and animal health. Pest control grade diatomaceous earth, for example, is often mixed with toxic insecticides to increase its efficacy.

Pool grade diatomaceous earth is composed of tiny silica crystals that are formed when raw DE is exposed to extremely high temperatures. These silica crystals are extremely efficient pool filters but are incredibly hazardous to both your health and that of your livestock.

Whenever using diatomaceous earth in any application that involves ingestion by either humans or animals, always ensure you’re using food grade diatomaceous earth that has been approved as GRAS, or generally regarded as safe, by the FDA.

This is the only form of natural, organic, chemical-free diatomaceous earth.

Step 2: Weight Your Bison Feed

In order to determine the correct amount of diatomaceous earth to add to your bison feed, you’ll first need to weight the feed you’re planning on mixing. Either mark down the total weight of the feed bag you’ll be mixing, or weight the feed with food scales.

Step 3: Measure The Correct Amount Of Diatomaceous Earth

After weighing your feed, you’ll need to weigh out the correct amount of diatomaceous earth. The best ratio for diatomaceous earth to feed is 2% of the total feed weight.

To work this out, take the total feed weight and divide it by 50, then measure this amount of diatomaceous earth.

Step 4: Mix Diatomaceous Earth And Bison Feed

Mix the feed and DE by transferring both into a separate, airtight container. Begin by lightly dusting the inside of a dry container with DE, then apply alternating layers of bison feed and diatomaceous earth.

Each layer of bison feed should be 3-4 inches thick, with a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on top. Using a diatomaceous earth applicator will streamline this process and reduce mess.

The best applicator for mixing bison feed is the Wilcox 3 Quart Duster. For detailed information on this duster, see our Wilcox 3 Quart Duster Review.

Once you’ve filled the container, close the lid and shake vigorously to mix the DE and feed. If the container is too large to pick up, rock it back and forth until an even mix is achieved.

Additional Notes

If you’re planning on mixing diatomaceous earth with hay instead of dry feed, complete steps 1-3 but weigh the hay as you would weigh dry food.

Mix the diatomaceous earth with water using a wet diatomaceous earth application method and use a spray bottle or wet applicator to spray the wet DE mix on the hay.

For more detailed information on making a wet DE application mix, see our Indoor Wet Diatomaceous Earth Application article.

When supplementing your bison feed with diatomaceous earth, always be sure to provide your livestock with extra water, as diatomaceous earth can dehydrate their digestive systems in large amounts.

When working with diatomaceous earth, always be sure to wear appropriate safety gear. DE is non-toxic and inert but may irritate eyes, sinuses, and the throat if inhaled, so always be sure to wear eye goggles and a dust mask when handling it in a confined space.

Diatomaceous Earth Information Guide:

We have a wide variety of food grade diatomaceous earth resources for you look through to make your life a little easier and chemical-free. Please check out the other valuable resources and versatile application uses for silica-rich diatomaceous earth below:

Please reach out regarding any information above. In the future, more share-worthy useful enhancements, experiences and effects of diatomaceous earth will be added as the benefits continue to pile up. Always welcome for more insight and awareness, click the button to see the most recommended beautifully blended product that combines both high quality food grade diatomaceous earth powder and pure organic silica together in one formula.

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