Why Feed Manufacturers in India Are Adding Diatomaceous Earth to Their Formulations

Diatomaceous earth is a soft, chalky rock made from the fossilized shells of small aquatic algae called diatoms. These shells are made of silica and full of tiny holes. That's why the powder absorbs water and holds fine particles. The number of factories that use diatomaceous earth animal feed is growing, and the reasons are mostly practical, as anyone familiar with running a factory in an Indian monsoon can attest.

Why Indian feed manufacturers are turning to diatomaceous earth animal feed

Those who have operated a feed mill until July do know the issue. The premixes and the feeders pick up moisture and lumps get blocked. If in March everything worked perfectly, by August, the following batch is thoroughly defined as a stubborn batch of feed. The diatomaceous earth absorbs the moisture before it makes any agglomeration with other ingredients thus, the mills are using diatomaceous earth to prevent agglomeration.

The second issue is the liquids: choline, flavors and other similar additives do not blend well into dry feed; however, when soaked in diatomaceous earth, they will form a flowing powder that is being equally spread throughout the batch. This solution is quite handy for the plants where there is a lack of liquid dosing facilities.

What diatomaceous earth actually does in the mix

The product might be very fine, but it has a high surface area. It absorbs water and oils, enabling improved mixing and lower dust emissions. Along with silica, it consists of small amounts of other minerals as well, but nutritionists don’t buy it for its nutritional value. Its main function is to act as an additive that stabilizes the mix properties during its storage and transportation.

The dosages used are usually quite small and therefore the cost of its addition to one tonne of the compound feed is low.

Benefits of diatomaceous earth animal feed for poultry and dairy herds

Using diatomaceous earth in poultry diets is said to lead to lower moisture content in the droppings. This implies better management of the litter used in poultry sheds. The results differ greatly between the diets of poultry and the housing conditions, meaning that diatomaceous earth is most effective in places where good controls are already in place.

In the case of cattle feed and mineral blocks, the main benefits of diatomaceous earth are in the ease of managing the product and storing it.

How to pick the right grade

Not every product sold as diatomaceous earth animal feed is made to the same standard. Pool and filter grades are heat-treated and can carry crystalline silica, which has no place in a feed mill. Feed grade should be mostly amorphous silica, with low heavy metals and a stated moisture level and particle size.

Ask for a certificate of analysis with every batch. Run a small trial in your own premix before you touch a full production run. Inclusion rates change with species and purpose, so agree the level with your nutritionist and check current Indian feed regulations.

Why choose Seema Minerals and Metals

Mills that buy diatomaceous earth animal feed from Seema Minerals and Metals receive material processed to a defined particle size and tested before dispatch. Our team at Seema Minerals and Metals will talk through grade and delivery schedules with you before the first order. Bulk quantities for regular production are available, and so are smaller lots if you’d like to trial it first.

Where diatomaceous earth animal feed is heading in India

Feed production in India keeps growing, and mills are being asked to waste less and hold quality steady through the seasons. A low-cost mineral that handles caking and flow problems and doubles as a carrier fits that brief, so it’s showing up in more formulations each year. Test it properly and buy from a source that can show you batch reports. If you’re thinking of adding diatomaceous earth animal feed to your next premix, get in touch with Seema Minerals and Metals for samples and specifications.