030141 Red Lake Earth Improves Broiler Performance

Kamloops, British Columbia - Research at the University of Saskatchewan shows that including Red Lake Earth RLE, in broiler diets "improve the growth and feed efficiency of broiler chickens while numerically reducing mortality". RLE, is a CFIA Registered (REG. # 981620) diatomaceous earth, anti- caking agent, approved for use in all livestock rations.

Dr. Henry L. Classen, a professor in Poultry Management and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan, fed broilers diets containing up to 2% RLE. The diets in the study did not contain a growth promotant. The study concluded that the inclusion of dietary RLE at rates of up to 2%, showed reduced mortality, weight gains of over 2% and improved feed conversions by as much as 3%.

In addition, RLE at all inclusion rates, has economic benefits for poultry producers. "Based on the results of the study, by incorporating up to 2% RLE as part of their feed ration, producers increased their profitability by almost 5%, after costs and expenses were factored out," said Peter Aylen, President of Western Industrial Clay Products Ltd.

After receiving the results of Dr. Classen's study, Western Industrial Clay Products Ltd. asked producers to include RLE in poultry diets, as part of their field trial evaluations. Broiler producers reduced their time to market by up to two days; layer producers witnessed reductions in under grades and improvements in shell quality, while turkey producers found improvements in manure quality, reduced odor and fewer breast blisters.

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