I feed my sheep COB with DE 2-3 x / week. I've not had any problem, even in times of harsh weather when I thought I should have trouble. In Winter they get beet pulp with the COB and DE.
I recall an article, and perhaps someone on this list remembers where, that presented worm loads in sheep pre and post chemical worming vs sheep maintained on an alternative, DE I believe. Here is the gist of it: The sheep were presented as having a wormload (insert count). Following the chemical wormer, the count dropped dramatically, but 30 days later rose sharply, higher than the previous count. The sheep fed DE maintained a lower level that remained steady. The study implied a more balanced approach with natural levels of worm load, vs a greater presence of parasites following chemical dewormers. I think that we must consider what chemicals do to the animal's system. Perhaps follow up deworming with probiotics. That being said, I live in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm quite spoiled by weather conditions not conducive to large parasite populations. If I lived in the Southeastern USA, I might find my program does not work. There are, however, other preparations I would/could try, as Shaklee's Basic-H, Garlic Powder, Wormwood. Rotating pasture with non-ruminants (horses) can help both species in breaking the worm cycle. Tracy Wessel www.intentionhill.com Blackbelly Sheep and Belgian Shepherds _______________________________________________ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
