Fossil Shell Flour in Livestock Production: A Review

Fossil shell flour or Diatomaceous earth is made up of amorphous silicates with important physical and chemical characteristics that enable it to be used for different purposes including uses in livestock production. The substance is nontoxic, cheap, and readily available in large quantity in many countries. Recently, fossil shell flour has been modified as additives for several uses. Recent studies have supported its use as animal growth promoter, vaccine adjuvant in livestock, water purifier, mycotoxin binder, inert dust applications in stored-pest management, pesticide, animal feed additive, as a natural source of silicon in livestock, and as natural anthelmintic. Numerous advantages of fossil shell flour include its low-cost and availability, its nontoxic characteristics, and the fact that food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. Likewise, all farmers, whether commercial, small-scale, or communal, can make use of fossil shell flour. The numerous uses of fossil shell flour give room for all types of farmers to explore the various benefits and applications of fossil shell flour. It is believed that through this publication, the potential of fossil shell flour will be exposed and explore by many countries