Diatomaceous earth has many attributes that make it a highly useful and versatile substance. Composed mainly of tiny, abrasive silica particles, diatomaceous earth is able to clean, promote digestive health, destroy insect pests without chemicals, and more.
One of the most useful applications of diatomaceous earth is as an additive for dry livestock feed. Dry feeds such as cereals and grains are prone to a wide variety of pests and rot, most of which are caused by excessive moisture.
Diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent, which helps preserve feed without chemicals by absorbing all of the excess moisture content.
DE powder is also able to destroy all of the insect pests that plague dry feed storage, such as flour beetles, weevils, and warehouse beetles.
On top of this, DE is an effective anti-caking agent and is able to destroy many of the intestinal parasites that plague elk.
Roundworms, one of the most common digestive parasites that infect elk, are quickly and easily removed through diatomaceous earth treatment.
One of the major advantages of diatomaceous earth over other feed fillers or pest control agents is that it is exceptionally low cost and economical when compared to these solutions.
In this article, we’ll provide a simple step-by-step process that outlines the easiest way to mix your elk feed with diatomaceous earth.
What You’ll Need
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
- A Food Scale
- An Airtight Feed Storage Container
- A Diatomaceous Earth Applicator
- Elk Feed or Hay
Step 1: Double Check Your Diatomaceous Earth
The most important element to remain aware of when mixing diatomaceous earth with elk feed is the grade of diatomaceous earth you’re using.
There are several grades of diatomaceous earth that are intended for different purposes, and some of them can be highly toxic to both humans and animals.
Pest control diatomaceous earth is often mixed with toxic chemicals to enhance its efficacy, while pest control grade consists of hazardous silica crystals.
When using diatomaceous earth to preserve and enhance elk feed, always be sure to use only 100% food grade diatomaceous earth.
Step 2: Measure Your Elk Feed
To know how much diatomaceous earth you’ll need to create your feed mix, you’ll need to first determine the total weight of the feed you’d like to mix. Either measure out your feed with food scales or note down the total weight of the feed bag.
Step 2: Measure Diatomaceous Earth
When mixing diatomaceous earth with feed, it’s best to use a 2% ratio of diatomaceous earth to feed. To measure this out easily, simply divide the total feed weight by 50 and weigh this amount of diatomaceous earth.
Step 3: Mix Diatomaceous Earth And Feed
To mix your feed and diatomaceous earth, begin by lightly dusting the inside of your feed container with DE. Proceed to alternate between 3-4 inch layers of feed and thin layers of diatomaceous earth.
When you’ve exhausted both your feed and diatomaceous earth supplies, place the lid on the container and shake to mix the feed.
You may find that a diatomaceous earth applicator makes the measuring and mixing process easier. A Wilcox 3 Quart Duster will simultaneously distribute and sieve your diatomaceous earth powder, streamlining the job and enhancing economy.
To learn more about this applicator, check out our Wilcox 3 Quart Duster Review. Consider adding another thick layer of diatomaceous earth on top of the mixed feed to prevent insect pest incursion.
Additional Notes
Diatomaceous earth may be completely inert and chemical-free, but can potentially irritate eyes, sinuses and the respiratory system inhaled.
When working with DE in enclosed spaces, always be sure to wear appropriate safety gear. A dust mask and safety goggles should be sufficient protection.
If you’re using hay instead of dry feed, it’s still possible to treat it with diatomaceous earth. Weigh your hay in the same way as step 2, but instead of mixing dry diatomaceous earth in with the hay, use a wet application method.
Determine the amount of diatomaceous earth relevant to the amount of hay you’d like to treat, then use a wet application method as detailed in our Indoor Wet Diatomaceous Earth Application article.
When supplementing livestock feed with diatomaceous earth, always be sure to provide excess water to your animals. Diatomaceous earth can dehydrate the digestive systems of elk if they do not have access to sufficient water.
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:
- Diatomaceous Earth Supplementation
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- Silica Water
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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.