I'm wondering what folks can share about using ditomaceous earth either as a top dressing on poop spots or as an additive to alpaca feed to control parasites. For those who aren't familiar with this substance, it is simply powder made up from fossils of ancient algae. It's a fine white crystaline powder and it is very hard and sharp. So the theory in its use for parasite control is that it cuts the parasites when the two encounter one another. Apparently there is "food grade" and non food grade ditomaceous earth. The food grade substance is being used by humans as a dietary addative with all sorts of health claims attached to it. It is also being used for administration to cats and dogs for parasite control. So my question is whether anyone has any experience in using this with alpacas, either as a food additive or as a top dressing after poop scooping. This seems to be an area of great future possibility given the increased tolerance of parasites against common treatments such as Ivermectin and panacure. Many thanks for any advice on this. -Mary Haller, Alpaca Green , Orient OH
