The Best Diatomaceous Earth for Goats & Sheep

Diatomaceous earth comes from the shells of little aquatic plants that died millions of years ago and sunk to the bottom of the oceans. The dry, abrasive remains of the tiny plants allow DE to damage the covering of insects while providing some ability to absorb the fat, essentially drying out the bugs, according to Ohio State University. This special powder has also been used in the fight against parasites attacking livestock such as sheep and goats.

  1. Uses

    • DE uses include the prevention of caking in food, providing mild abrasive for toothpastes and controlling insects through environmental application or mixed into animal feed. The use of DE for most farm animals, including sheep and goats, occurs through additions to the feed. While no research supports that DE in feed controls animal parasites or flies, it may help control other parasites that infest the skin, such as lice and fleas, according to Ohio State University.

    Environment

    • Treat the goat and its housing area with DE to increase pest control.

      DE applications in your goat and sheep shed areas helps control insects. Pure or food grade DE effectively kills insects, though the fastest acting DE combines pyrethrin pesticides and other insect control chemicals, according to Arizona Cooperative Extension. Avoid inhalation of the DE by animals or persons applying it to avoid risks of possible health hazards. Long-term or repeated exposure may cause lung problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubbing food grade DE into the sheep and goat coats may help kill fleas and other insects.

    Feed

    • Food grade DE, which contains only DE without any chemical or other additives, provides the best and safest choice for use in the feed of farm animals including goats and sheep. Although DE used alone may not provide adequate parasite control, used with other measures it may help control parasites and coccidia infection, according to Rick Rasby, professor at University of Nebraska. No dust or respiratory problems occur when feeding sheep with lamb food pellets containing DE, according to Iowa State University.

    Selection

    • Use care in selecting the correct form of DE to avoid getting the wrong grade. Do not use DE containing pesticides for feed and avoid pool filter grade DE for either environmental application or feed. Pool filter grade DE contains a crystallized carcinogenic form. Feed stores often sell prepared feed products, such as pellets, containing food grade DE.