Effect of DiaFil (Diatomaceous Earth) Fed With or Without Rumensin® and Tylan®, on Performance, Internal Parasite and Coccidiosis Control in Finishing Cattle

Authors

Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2000

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2000, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

One hundred seventy-nine steers were used in a 2 &#;&#;2 factorial experiment to determine if DiaFil, diatomaceous earth, enhances finishing performance. Treatments were: control; 3% DiaFil; Rumensin® and Tylan® (R/T) fed at 25 and 10 g/ton, respectively; or DiaFil + R/T (DM basis). Feeding DiaFil alone reduced daily gain compared with control and DiaFil+ R/T, while gain of steers fed R/T was intermediate. Compared with control, efficiency was reduced 8% when steers were fed DiaFilalone. Steers fed R/T or DiaFil+R/T were 9% more efficient than those fed DiaFil alone. The addition of DiaFil alone reduces dietary energy concentration.