THE EFFECT OF INGESTION OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH IN WHITE RATS: A SUBACUTE TOXICITY TEST.
Abstract The effects of 5% diatomaceous earth in the diet fed to white rats over a 90-day period indicated no mechanical or chemical damage to the tissues. There was no significant increase in the percentage of residual silica in liver, kidneys, and spleens of the test animals. Comparison of weight changes in the 5% group with the control showed a greater weight gain in the 5% test group. Histologic sections of animals fed 3% and 1% diatomaceous earth also showed no damage.
Effectiveness of diatomaceous earth for control of Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium castaneum and Palorus subdepressus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Abstract The effectiveness of diatomaceous earth (DE) or diatomite has been assessed against three major beetle pests of stored maize: Sitophilus zeamais (the maize weevil), Tribolium castaneum (the red flour beetle) and Palorus subdepressus (the depressed flour beetle). Maize has been treated with four doses of DE (1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 g/kg) and four doses of Actellic Super™ Dust a chemical insecticide used as a reference (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g/kg). The effective mortality was measured for each treatment after 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 d of exposure. The corrected mortality rates were calculated by considering the mortality in the control group. Diatomaceous earth was as effective as Actellic Super™ Dust but required higher doses. Diatomaceous earth acted faster on S. zeamais and P. subdepressus compared to T. castaneum . The highest dose tested for DE caused the same mortality in T. castaneum as the recommended dose of Actellic Super™ Dust. Diatomaceous earth is a good alternative for the control of these three devastating insect pests of maize stocks and can readily be incorporated into integrated stored products pest management programs.
Epididymitis in rams and lambs.
This article reviews lamb epididymitis and epididymitis caused by Brucella ovis. Pathogenesis, occurrence, signs and lesions, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment are discussed.